What is the mass man mentality?

The term "mass man mentality" refers to a concept discussed by Jose Ortega y Gasset, where the average person imposes a kind of "spiritual barbarism" on the world. This idea describes a sort of self-satisfied, uncultured state among professionals like engineers, physicians, and scientists, who, despite their education, lack a deeper cultural and moral sensibility. Ortega argues that this mentality leads to more societal barbarism, including the likelihood of increased violent political protests. To counteract this, he suggests a metaphorical reinstatement of the "aristocracy," not in a classist sense, but as a personal commitment to moral obligation and self-improvement. This approach is intended to foster a society where individuals continually challenge their own prejudices and strive for personal growth, contrasting sharply with the static contentment of the mass man 1 .