One bachelor is an irritation. Ten thousand bachelors are a war.
The quote from Orson Scott Card's "Ender in Exile" highlights how the behavior or presence of a single individual can be manageable, but when multiplied, it can escalate into a larger issue. One bachelor may be seen as an annoyance, but when there are many, they can become a collective force that challenges societal norms, leading to chaos or conflict.
This sentiment reflects the broader idea of how small problems can grow when not addressed. It suggests that the accumulation of seemingly trivial irritations can lead to significant consequences, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics of group behavior and social interactions.