Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. The second invasion of the Martians (№ 7105)

I read that rumors are dangerous to the health to a much greater extent than even Smoking. The author proved it with figures in hands. There was still written that the impact of the panic of hearing is directly proportional to the ignorance of the masses, and it's true, although I must admit that even the most educated of us surprisingly easily succumbed to the General mood and ready to race aimlessly along with the Madding crowd.