In this book, Jon Ronson delves into the world of extremism, meeting with Islamic fundamentalists, neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klansmen, and other groups who believe in a shadowy elite ruling the world from a secret room. Ronson's investigations take him across three continents, where he encounters figures like Omar Bakri Mohammed, Thom Robb, and survivors of Ruby Ridge. He experiences being chased by men in dark glasses, unmasked as a Jew in a Jihad training camp, and witnesses bizarre rituals involving CEOs and politicians. The book offers a deep and fascinating look at the lives and minds of extremists, blending humor and creepiness to reveal the complexities of their world.
The book delves into the U.S. Army's exploration of New Age concepts and the potential military applications of psychic powers. It follows the story of the First Earth Battalion and the 'psychic spy unit' established by Army Intelligence. Ronson investigates the claims of Special Forces soldiers who allegedly experimented with psychic powers against de-bleated goats at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The book also examines the broader implications of these experiments and their continued influence within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and postwar Iraq.
In 'So You've Been Publicly Shamed', Jon Ronson delves into the phenomenon of online shaming and its historical antecedents. The book features interviews with individuals who have been subjected to intense public shaming, including Jonah Lehrer, a journalist who plagiarized quotes, and a woman who was shamed for a tweet at an airport. Ronson also speaks with practitioners of modern public humiliation and examines the immediate and long-term consequences of such shaming. The book raises questions about righteousness, reputation, and conformity in the context of social media and its impact on individuals and society[2][3][4].
In 'The Psychopath Test', Jon Ronson delves into the concept of psychopathy, focusing on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist developed by Canadian psychologist Robert D. Hare. Ronson interviews various individuals, including those labeled as psychopaths, such as a young man who faked insanity to avoid prison and a former Haitian death-squad leader. He also examines the prevalence of psychopathy in corporate and governmental leaders and critiques the methods and implications of psychiatric diagnoses. The book raises questions about the boundaries between sanity, insanity, and eccentricity, and warns against the dangers of misdiagnosis and the influence of unqualified experts in the field of psychopathy[2][3][5].
In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life. He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life. The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.
In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
In 'The Price of Life', Jenny Kleeman delves into the complex and often uncomfortable ways human life is monetized across various sectors, including healthcare, warfare, and philanthropy. Through engaging narratives and interviews, Kleeman challenges readers to consider what it means for humanity when lives are valued by numbers rather than emotions. The book offers a thought-provoking journey into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the valuation of life.
The is the first instalment of a two-part discussion. For this episode, Jon Ronson – the journalist, author, and filmmaker – dives into the world of conspiracies and the culture wars. They’re themes that form the bedrock of his hugely successful podcast and BBC Radio 4 series, Things Fell Apart. The series takes Ronson's longstanding interest in post-truth narratives to new places with Ronson exploring the forces at play shaping ideas ranging from anti-vaccine movements to gender politics. Never before have the culture wars – which can sometimes appear unreal and distant – felt more alarming and real-world. This is a recording of Intelligence Squared's recent live event at London's Union Chapel and joining Ronson onstage was Jenny Kleeman, the documentary filmmaker, journalist and author of books such as her latest, The Price of Life.
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