Don't expect a traditional story here. 'Hier et demain' (Yesterday and Tomorrow) is a collection of Gustave Le Bon's concise, stand-alone observations. Written between 1918 and 1931, each page offers a self-contained idea, ranging from a single line to a short paragraph. He covers everything from the psychology of crowds and the nature of leadership to the pitfalls of democracy and the slow march of scientific progress.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a mind-bender because it feels so modern. Reading Le Bon's thoughts on how people behave in groups, or how emotions often trump logic in public life, is like watching someone diagnose our current social media age over a hundred years early. His writing is clear and direct, free of academic jargon. You can open it to any page and find a provocative idea that makes you stop and think. It's not always comfortable—some of his views are decidedly of his time—but that's part of the fascination.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for curious readers who enjoy philosophy, history, or psychology but want it in bite-sized pieces. It's great for your nightstand—read a thought or two before bed. If you like authors like Nassim Nicholas Taleb or Malcolm Gladwell, you'll appreciate seeing the roots of similar ideas presented with stark, old-world clarity. Just be ready to have some of your assumptions about human nature gently challenged.