The quote reflects on a profound experience witnessing the Beatles perform, where the overwhelming sound of 20,000 girls screaming indicates an intense, shared emotional response rooted in individual egos. The collective chant of "Me! Me! Me!" not only illustrates the personal desire for recognition but also points to a broader societal issue where individual desires can lead to conflict and turmoil, such as wars, driven by the need for validation. This highlights how collective ego can manifest in both innocent and destructive ways.
Through this observation, the author's message underscores the idea that the yearning for attention and recognition is a fundamental human trait that can mobilize masses. The fervor at the concert acts as a microcosm for societal behavior, where the push for self-importance can overshadow the larger context of unity or peace. Wolfe poignantly captures the essence of this phenomenon, suggesting that understanding our motivations may offer insights into the nature of societal challenges we face.