Specifically, "The Emperor's New Clothes"

I think a lot about this. It is one of the most insightful things ever written about human behavior and large group behavior.

Arrogance, fear, lack of self confidence, social proof, ego - it covers so much. It is much more fun to read sociology books many years later, and think about how homo sapien is such a social creature. It is always interesting to sit back and consider what is invented or cultural versus what is reality.

I really like how it falls apart so quickly when one impertinent kid speaks up, and the illusion is gone. Fear, hierarchy, and authority kept everyone quiet for almost the entire parable. It just fell apart in a moment when the unstable illusion could no longer be supported by reality.

This is the literary criticism board, right?