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Mass formation occurs when individuals in a society feel disconnected and lonely, leading to a lack of meaning in their lives. In this state, people experience free-floating anxiety, frustration, and aggression without a clear understanding of why. This makes them susceptible to the influence of a narrative that presents an object of anxiety and a strategy to deal with it. The masses become willing to participate in this strategy, even if it is irrational or destructive. As a result, the individual's connection shifts from other individuals to the collective, creating a blind loyalty and a sense of fighting a heroic battle.
Mass formation tends to lead to the destruction of individuals and groups that do not align with the belief system of the masses. Additionally, the longer mass formation persists, the more the social bonds between individuals are eroded, resulting in a fundamentally paranoid atmosphere. While the masses may talk about solidarity, the bonds created are between each individual and the collective, leading to a loss of meaningful relationships between individuals.
Though mass formation may appear rational in some respects, its ultimate purpose is to handle and control anxiety, frustration, and aggression. Continuation of the process requires the generation of new objects of anxiety, resulting in an ongoing cycle of destruction. The underlying drive is the individual and collective need to manage the disconnectedness and negative emotions experienced. This process leads to a disconnection from reality and a blindness towards the destructive nature of mass formation.
Studying the psychological mechanisms of mass formation is crucial to prevent the destructive consequences it can have on individuals and society. The better individuals understand this process, the more they can resist becoming victims of the masses. Recognizing the irrational and destructive nature of mass formation allows for the preservation of critical voices and the prevention of blind adherence to destructive ideologies.
When a mass formation emerges in society, there is a small group that faces immense pressure. This small group has two options: form a separate mass and be destroyed, or stick to their principles and undergo a rapid process of mental evolution, becoming stronger and more aware of humanity's principles. This phenomenon was observed in prisoners during the Gulag, where a small group remained loyal to ethical standards and became mentally and physically stronger. The choice to adhere to principles and speak out can lead to personal growth and the preservation of humanity.
Mass formations often lead to the emergence of subsequent mass formations. The initial mass formation creates loneliness and disconnection, making people susceptible to joining a new mass. This cycle perpetuates disconnection and loneliness, leading to the emergence of more mass formations. However, there is a counter-movement of individuals who resist conforming to mass ideologies. These individuals form anti-masses and remain connected to their principles while engaging in dialogue with others. By holding each other accountable and engaging in respectful conversations, the anti-mass group maintains a strong bond and offers an alternative to totalitariansim.
The podcast delves into the rationality of mass formation and the importance of speech. It emphasizes that a mechanistic view of the universe, reducing everything to materialist principles, has limitations. While rational knowledge is essential, it should not be the sole basis for human interaction. Resonating knowledge, a connection with the essence of the world, and adherence to ethical principles should form the cornerstone of human living together. The podcast discusses the need for dialogue, connections with others, and the expression of sincere and honest words as a means to retain humanity and embrace an enlightened mind.
Bret Speaks with Mattias Desmet on the subject of mass formation, a topic Mattias has spent a great deal of time exploring and has written a recent book on (The Psychology of Totalitarianism), linked below. They tackle this process from their differing backgrounds of expertise and discuss what it suggests about our path into the future.
Find Mattias’ book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Totalitarianism-Mattias-Desmet/dp/1645021726/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1657654629&refinements=p_27%3AMattias+Desmet&s=books&sr=1-1
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Find Bret Weinstein on Twitter: @BretWeinstein, and on Patreon.
https://www.patreon.com/bretweinstein
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Theme Music: Thank you to Martin Molin of Wintergatan for providing us the rights to use their excellent music.
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:10) Sponsors
(05:32) What is mass formation?
(09:55) Modern masses Vs ancient masses
(15:10) Conditions for mass formation
(31:00) Desirable evolutionary reason for mass formation
(39:20) Evergreen mass formation
(43:00) Mass formation is a state of madness
(47:15) Bret and Mattias disagreement
(54:25) What if Hitler had won
(01:01:36) Mass formation is a symptom
(01:03:20) Love and rationality
(01:07:50) Is mass formation rational?
(01:12:32) Individuals who stood up during pandemic
(01:18:58) Woke mass formation
(01:29:40) Importance of words and language
(01:34:11) Isolation during the pandemic
(01:36:35) One mass formation after another
(01:42:40) Unease across the population
(01:45:22) Reductionist mechanist materialist ideology
(01:59:30) Wrap up
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