CROWD

The crowd, suddenly there where there was nothing before, is a mysterious and universal phenomenon. A few people may have been standing together-five, ten, twelve, not more; nothing has been announced, nothing is expected.
Suddenly everywhere is black with people and more come streaming from all sides as though streets had only one direction.

Most of them do not know what has happened and, if questioned, have no answer; but they hurry to be there where most other people are. There is a determination in their movement which is quite different from the expression of ordinary curiosity.

It seems as though the movement of some of them transmits itself to the others. But that is not all; they have a goal which is there before they can find words for it. The goal is the blackest spot where most people are gathered.

(Elias Canetti – Crowds and Power)

from GHOST CITY