Modern Wisdom #963 - John Lisle - Investigating The True History Of MKUltra & CIA Mind Control
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Jul 5, 2025 
John Lisle, a historian and author specializing in covert government projects, digs into the chilling realities of MKUltra, the CIA's infamous mind control program. He reveals the dark origins of MKUltra, including pivotal figures and the post-WWII motivations behind it. John discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by CIA operatives during reckless LSD experiments and the real-life tragedies that occurred, like the case of Frank Olson. Plus, he sheds light on the complexities of psychological manipulation and the far-reaching misconceptions surrounding mind control.
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Origins of CIA Mind Control Interest
- CIA's interest in mind control began from concerns over brainwashed prisoners in the Korean War and Soviet show trials.
- If enemies could be manipulated, CIA aimed to understand and develop similar techniques itself.
LSD Pranks Turn Deadly
- CIA scientists dosed themselves and colleagues with LSD as pranks and research, including spiking office coffee.
- This led to dangerous reactions like Frank Olson's psychotic break and death.
Unwitting Drugging in Brothels
- Operation Midnight Climax involved dosing unwitting people with LSD in CIA-run brothels for behavioral observation.
- This led to tragic psychotic breaks in some, including a woman who was committed long-term.
