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Ted Talks: Ex-Moonie Diane Benscoter: How Cults Think
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Diane Benscoter talks about how she joined the Moonies -- and stayed for five long years. She shares an insider's perspective on cults and extremist movements, and proposes a new way to think about today's most troubling conflicts.
Jun 17, 2009 10:06 AM
Re: Ted Talks: Ex-Moonie Diane Benscoter: How Cults Think
I wish she would have taken the next step and realized/revealed that all religions, not just cults are like this. The difference between a so-called "normal" religious person and suicide bomber is not black and white. It's a question of degree of delusion.
By: chronomitch
Re: Ted Talks: Ex-Moonie Diane Benscoter: How Cults Think
"When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called a Religion."
— Robert M. Pirsig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values)
— Robert M. Pirsig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values)
By: decavolt
Re: Ted Talks: Ex-Moonie Diane Benscoter: How Cults Think
Try to explain moderation to a species driven by their flaws. Expecting civilization to collectively change its behavior is like expecting snakes not to bite, but we are in complete denial of our most basic actions. We thrash about desperately trying to convince ourselves that we are not animals, and that we are each special and unique. It should be no surprise that we are exactly what we most desire not to be.
It's the people who idealize "free will" who are always the most shocked by the reality of people's actions.
Good times!
It's the people who idealize "free will" who are always the most shocked by the reality of people's actions.
Good times!
By: Chewbot
Re: Ted Talks: Ex-Moonie Diane Benscoter: How Cults Think
"... viral memetic infection ..." -- eewwee
By: buttPLuG
