The Great Unlearn 167. Behavioral Expert Chase Hughes on The Art of Influence: From Military Intelligence to Mind Mastery
Feb 25, 2025
Chase Hughes, a behavioral analysis expert and former military intelligence operative, shares insights on the art of influence. He discusses his groundbreaking Neuro-Cognitive Intelligence system and how modern tech has outpaced our brains' defenses. Chase elaborates on the 'FATE' framework—focus, authority, tribe, and emotion—as levers for influence. He reveals the hypnotic techniques used by media to manipulate perceptions and highlights the importance of ethical influence. Their conversation also explores unique treatments for neurological issues and the interplay of psychedelics with behavior.
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Mammal-Brain Control Trumps Reason
- The mammalian brain is the real target for persuasion and is controlled by focus, authority, tribe, and emotion.
- Changing perception and context gives permission to act and lets an operator direct behavior at scale.
Watch For Perception, Context, Permission
- Spot perception, context, and permission shifts to identify influence attempts early.
- Ask who benefits from a changed context and refuse automatic compliance when context is manipulated.
Tech Outruns Our Defenses
- Technology has outpaced the brain's ability to adapt, making modern humans unusually hackable.
- Being aware of that mismatch is the first defense against large-scale influence.