Charles Mackay

Charles Mackay (1814–1889) was a Scottish journalist, poet, and author best known for his work "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds." This influential book examines how collective behavior, such as financial bubbles and mass hysteria, can lead people to engage in irrational decisions. Mackay’s exploration of fads, frenzies, and social psychology highlights the susceptibility of individuals to groupthink. His insights remain relevant in understanding phenomena like market crashes and popular trends. Beyond his social commentary, he also wrote poetry and contributed to various publications, leaving a lasting impact on literature and social analysis.