True believers and mass movements
identify specific “cult” criteria: charismatic leaders, mind-altering behaviors, sexual and financial exploitation, an us-versus-them mentality toward nonmembers, and an ends-justify-the-means philosophy.
Amanda Montell • Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
Delusions are religiously held beliefs we want to be true (illusions) that are so powerful
that they cannot be moved by evidence, and they can be induced by Hitler’s helpless and depressed, then terror to hate, and on to self-praise and invincibility rhetorical strategy.
The Passion of the Trump: God, psychoanalysis, and MAGA David Livingstone Smith... See more
that they cannot be moved by evidence, and they can be induced by Hitler’s helpless and depressed, then terror to hate, and on to self-praise and invincibility rhetorical strategy.
The Passion of the Trump: God, psychoanalysis, and MAGA David Livingstone Smith... See more
2023 A+, Models, & Best Articles
By rooting for the overlooked underdog, the conspiracy theorist engages with his desired emotion, that of feeling unique, a brave truth-teller, the outsider. This group doesn’t see themselves as kooks. Each member doesn’t have a unique theory, all alone in a field. Instead, they seek to be part of a small group, a minority group, an outspoken group
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