Did Thomas Hardy Like Crowds ?

Today, we take a sideways look at human habits, such as forming large, noisy groups!

Far From The Madding Crowd is a very well-known book by Thomas Hardy.

For many people who are not particularly at home in the middle of a large mob or collection of other bodies, a madding crowd is a vision of hell.

What is this crowd?

The idea of a madding crowd conjures up many pictures in one's mind's eye. Firstly, a group of protestors. Then students who have just finished their finals and long to get to the pub. The funniest thing that comes to mind is a collection of folk. All in one place and doing odd things.You know, like hopping. Touching their noses whilst they stuff the middle finger of their other hand in their ear. A party for lunatics comes to mind.

Rounded up at the end of the evening and taken home to wherever they belong.

You might ask... Tiggy, what is this all about?

Well, it's about finding hordes of people who form large groups annoying. The more of them that congregate in one place, the louder the attention-seeking ones become. With everyone competing with each other, the volume control knows no bounds. You may call me grumpy. Yes, you may!

Peace is not popular.

If you grew up in the seventies or the eighties. The word Peace could conjure up pictures of hippies gathering for Peace. You might remember waking early to watch Yoga programmes on your huge black and white telly at the weekend. Creating lots of noise as you fell over the dog and broke your neck, therefore waking up the whole household.

And before I blow a gasket, which would be rather noisy: Peace Rallies

Again, we have people standing in the name of Peace, but ultimately, the opposite is created.

To some of us, joining up with others to create peace is paradoxical

When madding crowds sting...

Ants swarm, and so do many other insects, such as wasps. I'm sure various species do as well. Homosapiens look down at insects and flying things that swarm and want them to buzz off somewhere else. You might face an attack if you are sweet. These buzzing, crawling, flying insects come together for a common purpose. The bigger they are, the noisier they become..

From Afar...

Do you ever wonder if up there, somewhere in the universe, beings are gazing down?

And from time to time, they cry, " Oh my, they are so noisy those humans. Look at them swarming!"

Maddening, isn't it?

All written content 03/08/2025 ©

Image: https://unsplash.com/@curranrob Rob Curran