<p>Who is the author of Cultish?</p>

<p>The author of Cultish is Amanda Montell.</p>

<p>How many chapters are in Cultish?</p>

<p>Cultish has 10 chapters. </p><ol><li><div>Chapter 1: Cult Classic</div></li><li><div>Chapter 2: Sorority of Secrets</div></li><li><div>Chapter 3: Programs and Pioneers</div></li><li><div>Chapter 4: Morphology: The Devil in the Details</div></li><li><div>Chapter 5: Speech as Sacrament</div></li><li><div>Chapter 6: Brand as Mission</div></li><li><div>Chapter 7: Shilling for a Shiver: The Underbelly of Influence</div></li><li><div>Chapter 8: The DNA of Collaboration</div></li><li><div>Chapter 9: Art of the Exit</div></li><li><div>Chapter 10: Reborn in Flames: The Phoenix of Influence</div></li></ol>

<p>How many pages are in Cultish?</p>

<p>Cultish contains approx. 320 pages.</p>

<p>When was Cultish published?</p>

<p>Cultish was published in 2021.</p>

Communication Skills

Cultish Book Summary - Cultish Book explained in key points

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Cultish summary

Name: Cultish
Rating: 4 (142 reviews)
Author: Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell

The Language of Fanaticism

4 (142 ratings)

19 mins

Brief summary

Cultish by Amanda Montell examines the power of language used by cults and cult-like organizations. It unpacks how words can manipulate and control people, offering insights into the psychology behind these influential groups.

Topics

Manipulation Culture Social Psychology The Human Condition Storytelling Persuasion

Table of Contents

Cultish
Summary of 6 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 6

What’s in it for me? Learn how cultish language shapes our beliefs and communities.

Language has shaped how we think and act since the dawn of time. It is a universal experience, as natural as breathing – yet the influence of rhetoric remains hidden in plain sight. This Blink will help explain this curious phenomenon, to show how words can both inspire and manipulate us.

Whether it’s the powerful pull of fitness communities like CrossFit, the cryptic draw of groups like Scientology, or the lure of multi-level marketing schemes, this blink exposes the core linguistic methods that bond people to these networks.

Discover the subtle yet powerful impact of language on your ideas and decisions, and equip yourself with the knowledge to control these influences in your daily life. This blink is more than just a study of classic cults; it is a mirror that reflects “cultish” characteristics in everyday connections, from business to politics and beyond.

Ready to learn how words shape worlds? Let’s begin.

How words and surroundings shape belief

Have you ever considered how language can shape our beliefs? Let's look at this intriguing idea through the eyes of Tasha Samar and Alyssa Clarke.

Tasha, a first-generation Russian American Jew, found solace in the Healthy Happy Holy Organization (3HO) at thirteen. This Sikh-derived group, founded in the 1970s, offered more than just Kundalini yoga classes; it promised a compelling community with strict teachings. However, 3HO’s darker parts, such as psychological and sexual abuse, hinged on manipulative language, such as dubbing members who showed weakness “lizard brain.” Yogi Bhajan was skilled at transforming positive terminology into threatening concepts. People who tried to leave the group were threatened with violence, and there was even an unsolved murder.

Now, consider Alyssa Clarke’s experience. Moving to Los Angeles, she found herself immersed in the CrossFit culture. The attraction? A strong community vibe, complete with its own lingo and lifestyle. For Alyssa, CrossFit’s unique language and Paleo-diet culture create a near-religious devotion. CrossFit’s unique language fosters unity. Members train in a “box,” while instructors are called “coaches.” The goal is to shape members both inside and outside the gym, urging mantras like “Beast mode!” and “Everything is everything” (EIE). Sounds good, right?

Well, not always. One drawback to CrossFit is the risk of injury from the high-intensity workouts. It can also lead to overtraining and burnout. As with any fitness community or subculture, some people may get so obsessed with CrossFit that it takes over their lives; this is comparable to a cult. Both Tasha and Alyssa's accounts show that language, combined with community dynamics, is a formidable force. It can create solidarity, sure. However, it can also shape a polarizing mindset, steering behaviors in subtle yet profound ways.

Is CrossFit really a cult? It has similar characteristics. To determine whether something is a cult, we should define what the term “cult” means. It’s an emotive word that reflects our attitudes toward spirituality and certain types of communities. It may refer to a new religion, an online group, or even a beauty brand. A cult is typically defined as involving a strong devotion to a person, idea, or thing, as well as unorthodox beliefs or practices. While the term’s meaning varies, some cultish features can be detected in everyday situations. One thing is certain: language matters. Words have the power to alter our views, hide the truth, and affect our well-being. The force of cultish words goes beyond spiritual and fitness groups. It exists in both business and politics because all charismatic leaders use such language to instill common beliefs in, and exert control over, their followers.

Next, we will look at how this force manifests in notorious “suicide cults,” such as Jonestown.

The lethal language of cult leaders

Have you ever heard the phrase “drinking the Kool-Aid”? I’m sure you have. But did you know this popular phrase has a horrible history? The term hails from a 1978 event known as the Jonestown Massacre, in which over 900 members of a sect called the People’s Temple drank cyanide-laced Flavor Aid, a Kool-Aid knock-off, in an act of mass suicide. Today, “drinking the Kool-aid” suggests deep, unwavering commitment to a group, religion, or cause, even when that devotion is clearly illogical or even dangerous. Reflecting on this bleak beginning, it’s reasonable to ask: What gives these leaders such compelling power?

Jim Jones and other cult leaders are not only charismatic, but also linguistic masters. They use language to create an us-versus-them mindset, making believers feel unique and set apart from the world. Jones would constantly adapt his words and dialect to the person he was talking to, making them feel understood and appreciated. He would use language and phrases that only Peoples Temple members understood, creating a sense of belonging and exclusivity. Cult leaders routinely do this, using loaded language and, as the author calls them, “thought-terminating clichés.” Such phrases provoke strong emotions and are designed to shut down critical thinking. One recent example is Qanon's “Trust the Plan.”

Scientology: A masterclass in cult recruitment

Los Angeles, the city of dreams, is also home to the Church of Scientology. This organization promises spiritual enlightenment and success, but it also tempts its members with seductive jargon and a domineering culture.

It all starts with a personality test, but that is just the beginning in a world full of possibilities. Prospects like Cathy Schenkelberg are lured by the chance of breaking into the entertainment industry, thanks to high-profile endorsements from celebrities like Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

Empowerment and exploitation in multi-level marketing

Imagine being offered financial freedom and entrepreneurship on a plate. This is the appeal of multi-level marketing (MLM), a domain bursting with promises of independence and empowerment. Renowned for their direct sales of beauty and wellness products, MLMs weave their way into our social networks, tempting us with the prospect of earning full-time income through part-time work. Yet as enticing as it sounds, the glittery facade often masks a different reality.

MLMs are particularly compelling to a specific group: stay-at-home wives and mothers. Terms like “boss babe” and “mompreneur” are not just marketing slogans; they are carefully crafted to resonate with those seeking a careful blend of career and family life. However, MLMs are fraught with complexities. While operating within legal limits, they tread a fine line between legitimate business practices and illegal pyramid schemes. What is the difference? MLMs should prioritize selling products above recruiting new sellers. However, this distinction is often ignored, leading to controversy and legal scrutiny.

Community vs. control in fitness programs

American fitness culture has evolved, merging messages of personal development and emotional resilience. Programs like intenSati combine elements of dance, kickboxing, and yoga. These sessions are not just workouts; they are billed as transformative experiences that cater to both the body and the mind.

Is there something cultish about these inspiring workouts? Definitely. Programs like intenSati and SoulCycle are rich with affirmations and motivational speeches. They create a space that is physically stimulating and emotionally engaging, establishing a strong sense of community and boosting self-esteem among participants. Instructors often gain quasi-spiritual status, forming bonds with members that surpass the typical gym-class rapport. Such connections tread a fine line. But why is maintaining this balance so important?

The cultish charisma of online influencers

Now we turn to the digital age, where the emergence of spiritual influencers on platforms like Instagram has reshaped cult-like behaviors. Take Bentinho Massaro, a self-styled spiritual guru who symbolizes the power of social media to develop devoted followings. Influencers like Massaro use mystical language and visually stunning content to promise spiritual awakening and personal transformation, enchanting many followers.

However, this digital influence is not without its dark side. The tragic story of Brent Wilkins, a follower of Massaro, brings this into sharp focus. Wilkins, deeply influenced by Massaro's teachings, met a tragic end, taking his own life during a spiritual retreat in Sedona, Arizona. This incident highlights the dangerous potential of such influence, where followers seeking spiritual guidance may find themselves entangled in toxic and manipulative environments. Despite the backlash following the Sedona retreat incident, Massaro deflected criticism, continuing his teachings and maintaining his online presence. This resilience reflects the complex nature of online spiritual communities; followers often remain faithful even in the face of controversy.

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What is Cultish about?

Forget mind control. In Cultish (2021), Amanda Montell exposes the verbal tricks that bind groups, from Heaven’s Gate to your Peloton Group. A fascinating look at how words shape beliefs and persuade us. Decode the language of domination and reclaim your power.

Cultish Review

Cultish (2021) explores the captivating world of language, social dynamics, and mind control within cults, making it a fascinating read. Here's why you should pick it up:

Packed with fascinating stories and psychological insights, it sheds light on how language and manipulation can draw people into cults and extremist groups.
Backed by extensive research, the book offers a thorough examination of cultish tactics, providing readers with a deeper understanding of group dynamics and the human psyche.
Through its thought-provoking analysis, Cultish challenges readers to question their own beliefs and susceptibility to manipulation, making it an eye-opening and thought-provoking read.

Who should read Cultish?

Word wizards
Cult detectives
True crime fans

About the Author

Amanda Montell is an accomplished writer, linguist, and podcast host residing in Los Angeles. With three critically hailed nonfiction books under her belt, including Wordslut, her insightful commentary has received wide acclaim. She continues to engage readers and listeners alike through her work and the hit podcast Sounds Like A Cult.

Categories with Cultish

Communication Skills Psychology Society & Culture

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