If you think you are immune - you would make at ideal recruit. Those most vulnerable are the ones who think that they could never be tricked into adopting a bizarre belief. By using simple mind control techniques, cult leaders create a magnetic appeal for curious seeker. Modern cults cruise universities and personal columns for new followers and are growing rapidly.
“Look, you don’t have to be lazy, crazy or stupid to join a cult. If you are, they don’t want you. They want as many rich and talented people as they can sink their hooks into. It’s easy to stay out of a cult. Never be tired. Or scared. Too young. Too old. Never get divorced. Or married. Don’t strive for success. Don’t ever fail. Never hope for world peace. Never feel anger at injustice. Don’t be too rich – or too poor. Never experience depression. Never aim for great happiness. Don’t get sick. Don’t seek In short, never be vulnerable.
You don’t have to be unusual to get sucked in. You just have to be human. I joined my meditation group to clear my mind and improve my grades. Twenty-three years and $150,000 later, I realized my mistake. I screwed up: I wanted something better in life. And someone was happy to sell it to me.”
JOHN M. KNAPP, CULT VETERAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TRANCENET.ORG
WARNING: The documented characteristic known as the Self-Serving Bias is built into each of us. It is a defensive mechanism that produces thoughts like “I’m successful”, “it will never happen to me”, “only an idiot will fall for that”. Cult specialists warn that any normal person is susceptible to the techniques of cults. They warn that even skeptical researchers can be trapped and controlled by basic techniques employed by experienced cult leaders.
You will find more on on this topic and other emerging manipulation techniques in Chapter Four - The Personal Zone:
• Cult Techniques
• One in ten of your friends is an 'Influential'.
• Viral Marketing
• Telemarketing
• How to spot the Buzz agent
• Network Marketing
"...filled with engaging graphics and provocative but easy-to-follow guidelines for maintaining autonomy in a world made of marketing." Douglas Rushkoff
"...filled with engaging graphics and provocative but easy-to-follow guidelines for maintaining autonomy in a world made of marketing."