Jon Atack

Wonderful introduction and overview of the history and methods of mind control.

Everyone needs to read a book about mind control before they go out into the world. It could be this one, or Combatting Cult Mind Control or some other overview of techniques that appeals to you, but we need to know about this stuff because sooner or later a predatory person will try to manipulate you or someone you love. It might be a "wellness workshop" or an "influencer" or a "new religious movement" or a "romantic partner" or a "truther" or a terrorist cell (what do they call themselves?) or a some randomer walking up to you in the street and tricking you into handing over your car keys.

We all need to know about how ordinary, smart and skeptical people can be tricked into relinquishing their money or their freedom (sometimes even in the name of freedom). Read a book and wear a God-damned face mask


Note:
If you've already studied psychology but want to learn about mind control / thought reform / undue influence then Combatting Cult Mind Control will probably give you more bang for your buck, because you'll be familiar with a fair chunk of Opening Minds thanks to studying social psychology. Just as reading Cialdini's Persuasion will save you money, these books will save your mind.… (altro)

Although the first chapter or two recounts the author's time within Scientology and the Sea Org, this is not a personal memoir in the same vein as [b:Beyond Belief|18318672|Beyond Belief|Helen Smith|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1384195823s/18318672.jpg|25817357] or [b:Blown For Good|7099779|Blown for Good Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology|Marc Headley|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1341592883s/7099779.jpg|7357541]. Nor is it an attempt at a comprehensive history like [b:Going Clear|16142053|Going Clear Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief|Lawrence Wright|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1358119149s/16142053.jpg|21973918]. Rather, it feels like the crystallization of everything the author has learned in his post-Scientology attempts to explore and understand his experiences. Since it's clear that Mr. Shelton is a rationalist / critical thinker / autodidact, in that regard I think it bridges the gap superbly as both an explanation of the specific tactics Scientology uses to entangle its members and a 'leaving Scientology' how-to for current or recent members. A to Xenu differentiates itself in that it neither delves deeply into the history of Scientology (though a chunk of the book is dedicated to explaining how Scientology got to be the way it is), nor does it turn into a lurid recounting of Scientologists abusing each other for the personal profit of the Leader.

If you've done a lot of reading about Scientology already, you won't come across any surprises; there's nothing new there except for the author's personal story. If you're interested in reading someone willing and able to discuss Scientology's brainwashing tactics and cult activities from the perspective of critical thinking / psychology / neuroscience – highly recommended.
… (altro)