Part One: Amway: The Gravedigger of Democracy

Merchants of Deception is a gripping narrative by Eric Scheibeler, detailing his journey into and out of Amway. The book reveals the company's use of mind control techniques, financial exploitation, and the stark contrast between promised success and harsh reality. Scheibeler's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of multi-level marketing schemes.

In 'Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism,' Amanda Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and us/them attitudes in cults and cult-like groups lies in the use of language. The book delves into the verbal elements that make these communities 'cultish,' including the redefinition of words, euphemisms, and other linguistic tricks. Montell analyzes various groups such as Jonestown, Scientology, NXIVM, and even modern entities like SoulCycle and social media influencers, highlighting how these groups use language to create a sense of belonging and loyalty. The book is praised for its engaging narrative, original research, and incisive analysis of the power of language in shaping human behavior.