The only freedom supposed to be left to the masses is that of grazing on the ration of simulacra the system distributes to each individual. – Michel De Certeau

The time when most of you should withdraw into yourself is when you are forced to be in a crowd. – Epicurus

Nothing is so contemptible as the sentiments of the mob. – Seneca (Seneca the Elder)

Leave this hypocritical prating about the masses. Masses are rude, lame, unmade, pernicious in their demands and influence, and need not to be flattered, but to be schooled. I wish not to concede anything to them, but to tame, drill, divide, and break them up, and draw individuals out of them. – Ralph Waldo Emerson