Amanda Montell, a writer, linguist, and podcast host, joins Emma Chamberlain to discuss the language and behavior within cults. They explore how cult-like behavior can exist in our daily lives, including in high school theater programs, workplaces, and wellness trends. They delve into the manipulation tactics used by cult leaders through specialized vocabulary and thought-terminating cliches. They also discuss the decline of traditional religion, celebrity worship, and the potential for healthy religious cults.
Cult-like behavior can be found in various aspects of our lives, such as fitness, wellness, and social media, and it becomes dangerous when it involves extreme control and lacks room for questioning or exit strategies.
Cult leaders use specialized buzzwords and thought-terminating cliches to instill a sense of belonging and shut down independent thinking, and these linguistic tactics can be observed not only in religious cults, but also in other areas of life, such as corporate environments and everyday conversations.
Deep dives
Cultish Behavior in Everyday Life
The podcast episode explores cultish behavior in everyday life and discusses the line between what is a cult and what is just cult-like behavior. The speaker shares personal experiences and observations about how cultishness can be found in various aspects of our lives, such as fitness, wellness, and social media. It is emphasized that while some cultish behavior can be positive, it becomes dangerous when it involves extreme control and lacks room for questioning or exit strategies.
The Influence of Language in Cults
The episode delves into the power of language used in cults and cult-like groups. It is highlighted that cult leaders often employ specialized buzzwords and thought-terminating cliches to instill a sense of belonging and shut down independent thinking. These linguistic tactics can be observed not only in religious cults, but also in other areas of life, such as corporate environments and even everyday conversations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and maintaining a skeptical mindset to recognize and resist manipulative language.
The Resurgence of Cultishness
The podcast explores the resurgence of cultish behavior in modern society. Drawing parallels with the past, such as the cult-like fascination with celebrities and the spiritual guidance sought from public figures, it is suggested that we might be experiencing a new era of cultishness, shaped by technology and individualistic values. The episode ponders the blurred boundaries between cults and culture, and the role of vulnerability and seeking in falling into cultish behavior. It is emphasized that awareness and critical thinking can help navigate the complexities of our increasingly cult-like society.
The Ambiguity of Cults and Cult-like Behavior
The episode raises questions about the definition and nature of cults, highlighting the subjective nature of the term. It explores how various behaviors and groups can exhibit cult-like qualities, while also acknowledging the positive aspects of communal rituals, shared values, and a sense of purpose that cults can provide. The importance of maintaining awareness, boundaries, and a balanced perspective is emphasized to avoid falling into destructive cults and to make conscious choices about involvement in different groups.
[video available on spotify] today i present to you, amanda montell: a writer, linguist, and fellow podcast host. amanda has written three books. one of them, the age of magical overthinking, is about to come out. today i want to zoom in on one of our many common interests. she wrote an entire book about cults, the language used in cults, and cult-like behavior, and i'm excited to discuss how we participate in cult-like behavior on a day-to-day basis without even realizing it. she's really investigated the line between what is a cult and what is just cult-like behavior. and this is something I am curious to explore because I think it's a little bit more relevant than we even realize.