“[I]t may be that a crowd at a particular moment of history creates the object to justify its gathering.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Jennifer Egan, she suggests that crowds have the power to shape reality and create meaning for themselves. The act of coming together as a group can lead to the creation of a purpose or justification for their gathering. This quote highlights the influence and impact that collective group dynamics can have on shaping beliefs, values, and actions.
The Creation of Justification through Crowds
In today's world of social media and viral trends, the quote by Jennifer Egan - "[I]t may be that a crowd at a particular moment of history creates the object to justify its gathering." - holds particular relevance. In an age where groupthink and online mobs can quickly propel certain ideas or movements into the spotlight, it is important to consider how the collective power of crowds can shape the narratives and beliefs that gain traction in society.
Quote from Jennifer Egan
In her quote, Jennifer Egan discusses the idea that a crowd can shape the reasons for its gathering based on the circumstances and motivations present at that moment.
Example of Usage
As protests erupted across the country, it seemed as though the crowd was creating the object of unity and solidarity to justify its gathering, just as Jennifer Egan suggests.
Reflection Questions:
When considering the quote, “[I]t may be that a crowd at a particular moment of history creates the object to justify its gathering” by Jennifer Egan, one can reflect on the following questions:
- What does this quote suggest about the power dynamics between collective identity and individual agency within a group setting?
- How might historical context influence the way in which a group forms a collective identity and justifies its actions?
- Are there examples from history or current events that support Egan's assertion that groups may create objects or reasons to justify their gathering?
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Similar quotes
“And it may be that a crowd at a particular moment of history creates the object to justify its gathering, as it did at the first Human Be-In and Monterey Pop and Woodstock. Or it may be that two generations of war and surveillance had left people craving the embodiment of their own unease in the form of a lone, unsteady man on a slide guitar.”
“Every theory of social action is ultimately a philosophy of history. It attempts, as best it may, to read in the experience of mankind the lessons which would justify its own special urgency.”
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