The Michael Shermer Show cover image

The Michael Shermer Show

Why We Get Fooled

Aug 1, 2023
01:54:46

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cults often deceive individuals by masking their true intentions behind positive and empowering messaging.
  • Deception plays a crucial role in the success of cults, as individuals enter with positive intentions and beliefs.

Deep dives

The Deceptive Nature of Joining a Cult

Many people do not join a cult knowingly or willingly, but rather join a group that they believe will provide some form of benefit or fulfillment. Jim Jones and the People's Temple is an example where members joined a progressive and socially active church that focused on integration and community service. The story of NXIVM is similar, as it started as a self-help group empowering women, which appealed to many. The challenge with cults lies in the gradual deception and manipulation that takes place over time, often leading individuals down a path they did not anticipate. It is often difficult to ascertain the true intentions of these groups, as they often mask their true nature behind seemingly positive and empowering messaging.

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