Going Off to a Party?

More than a hundred years ago, the Danish philosopher, social critic and religious author Soren Kierkegaard warned that the “Age of the crowd” was coming. In such an Age, said Kierkegaard, “people will no longer think of deciding for themselves.” Rather, “they will follow the advice given to children going off to a party: ‘Look and see what the others are doing and behave like them.’”

During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, many of us, like children going off to a party, followed the crowd with a passion. We rushed to the “Black Friday” shopping mall sales and continued the buying frenzy on “Cyber Monday.” High-Tech was duly acknowledged by those who had placed smartphones, tablets and the latest gaming devices high on their Christmas lists. Everyone we met said “Merry Christmas,” and we joined in the chorus. We followed each other through rituals and customs. And then, when the festive meal was over and all the presents were exchanged and opened,…