The Michael Shermer Show The Hoax of the Century: Iron Mountain
Mar 18, 2025
Phil Tinline, a British freelance writer and documentarian, dives into the fabled 'Report from Iron Mountain.' He uncovers its satirical roots and examines how it sparked conspiracy culture. The discussion touches on topics like Holocaust denial, nativism, and the manipulation of narratives, especially during the Cold War. Tinline critiques the rise of extremist ideologies and explores how government surveillance fuels distrust in institutions. He highlights the power of storytelling in shaping democracy, reminding us to discern truth in a polarized world.
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Shermer's College Experience
- Michael Shermer recounts reading Report from Iron Mountain in college.
- He and his classmates initially believed the report's premise about the necessity of war.
The Iron Mountain Hoax
- Report From Iron Mountain was a satirical hoax meant to critique the dependence on war.
- It was published in 1967 and gained traction due to public anxieties about government and war.
Tinline's Research
- Phil Tinline discovered Report from Iron Mountain while researching the military-industrial complex.
- He initially planned a chapter on it, but it expanded into a full book.