Cultish
The Language of Fanaticism
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
by Amanda Montell
5/3/20249 min read
Welcome to the book summary “Cultish - The Language of Fanaticism” by Amanda Montell, written and narrated by janky mind.
Introduction
Imagine words as a secret spell that can connect people or control them. That’s what Amanda Montell talks about in her book “Cultish.” She takes us on a journey through the language labyrinths of groups, from cosmic cults to your fitness buddies, revealing how words can enchant and influence us.
Think of language as a hidden superpower. It’s been guiding our thoughts and actions forever, as effortlessly as we breathe. But the magic of words often goes unnoticed. This book summary will unveil that magic, showing how language can be a tool for inspiration or a wand for manipulation.
From the magnetic vibe of workout tribes to the mysterious allure of secret societies, and even the tempting promises of get-rich-quick plots, this summary uncovers the key phrases that tie us to these circles.
Uncover the invisible force of words on what you think and choose, and arm yourself with the wisdom to master this force in your life. This isn’t just about the cults we hear in stories; it’s about spotting the ‘cultish’ threads woven into our daily chats, from the office to the government hallways.
Are you ready to explore how words build worlds? Let’s dive in.
Lesson 1: The Power of Words and Settings in Shaping Beliefs
Ever thought about how our words can paint our beliefs? Let’s peek into this through Tasha Samar and Alyssa Clarke’s stories.
Tasha, with her Russian American Jewish roots, found a home at 13 in the Healthy Happy Holy Organization (3HO). It wasn’t just about Kundalini yoga; it was a promise of a tight-knit group with strict rules. But there was a dark side—abuse hidden behind twisted words like “lizard brain” for the weak. Yogi Bhajan, the leader, was a pro at turning nice words into scary threats. Try to leave? You’d face violence, and there was even a mystery murder.
Now, meet Alyssa Clarke. In Los Angeles, she dove into the CrossFit craze. It wasn’t just exercise; it was a community with its own cool code words. CrossFit’s language and diet tips sparked a kind of worship. They call their gym a “box,” trainers are “coaches,” and they push slogans like “Beast mode!” But it’s not all rosy. The workouts are so intense, they can hurt you, or you might just get too hooked, almost like in a cult.
Both Tasha and Alyssa show us that words, mixed with group vibes, can be super strong. They can bring us together or split us apart, nudging our actions in big ways.
So, is CrossFit like a cult? It sure shares some traits. To figure out if something’s a cult, we need to nail down what “cult” really means. It’s a loaded word, pointing to our feelings about spirituality and certain groups. It could be a fresh religion, an online squad, or even a trendy brand. A cult usually means you’re super devoted to someone or something, with some offbeat beliefs or ways. The word’s meaning changes, but you can spot “cultish” hints here and there. One thing’s for sure: words are mighty. They can change how we see things, cover up truths, and touch our lives. Cultish talk isn’t just in spiritual circles or gyms; it’s in business and politics too, where smooth-talking leaders use it to bond their followers and steer the ship.
Next up, we’ll explore how this wordy power shows up in infamous “suicide cults” like Jonestown. Ready for more? Let’s go.
Lesson 2: The Dangerous Dance of Cult Leaders’ Words
“Drinking the Kool-Aid” – sounds familiar, right? But behind this common phrase lies a dark tale. It comes from the tragic Jonestown Massacre of 1978, where over 900 followers of the People’s Temple drank poison in a mass suicide. Now, “drinking the Kool-Aid” means following something blindly, even when it’s clearly harmful. Makes you wonder, how do these leaders get such a hold over people?
Take Jim Jones, for example. He wasn’t just charming; he was a wizard with words. He crafted an ‘us vs. them’ world, making his followers feel special and separate. He’d switch up his speech to connect with you, making you feel seen and valued. He also had secret phrases for his inner circle, creating a club only a few could enter. Cult leaders love this trick, using catchy but empty phrases to kill off any doubts. Like Qanon’s “Trust the Plan.”
They also play the name game, giving new names to show you’re all in. And they’re fans of sugarcoating scary stuff, like calling death something nicer, to make you nod along without a shudder.
Here’s the deal: leaders can use words to charm or chain you. They mix emotional hooks with mind games, leading you down paths you never expected.
Next, we’ll peek into religions like Scientology that stir up lots of talk. What’s the fuss about, and how do they stack up against the cult tactics we’ve just uncovered? Stick around, we’re just getting started on this intriguing journey.
Lesson 3: The Allure of Scientology - Simplified and Spiced Up
In the heart of LA, where dreams are big and stars are born, sits the Church of Scientology. It’s not just a church; it’s a beacon of promise for fame and inner peace. But there’s a catch: they speak a language that’s both inviting and commanding.
The journey begins with a simple test, opening doors to a world where dreams are within reach. People like Cathy Schenkelberg get hooked by the glitz of celebrity endorsements from the likes of Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
But the real magic of Scientology isn’t just in its star-studded promises. It’s in the words they use, like secret handshakes. Words like “enturbulated” and “Dev-T” are keys to a private club. They make you feel part of something bigger while gently tightening their grip. Through films and tests, they shine a light on your flaws, and guess what? Scientology has the cure.
They even have special labels like “suppressive person” and “potential trouble source,” making you feel part of an exclusive group. To reach the top, you must climb a steep ladder to “going clear.” But this ladder is not just tall; it’s costly, and it keeps you running in circles, spending more than just money.
Scientology isn’t just about faith; it’s a masterclass in how to draw in those reaching for the stars. It locks you in a loop of endless seeking and spending, costing you a fortune in more ways than one.
Coming up, we’ll peek at multi-level marketing companies (MLMs). Each one is unique, but they all share a knack for promising big dreams. They’re our next stop in understanding the pull of cult-like groups. Let’s keep exploring!
Chapter 4: The Double-Edged Sword of Multi-Level Marketing
Picture this: You’re handed the keys to financial independence and your own business—sounds dreamy, right? That’s the pitch of multi-level marketing (MLM), a world filled with big promises of freedom and self-reliance. Famous for selling health and beauty goodies, MLMs sneak into our friend circles, offering the chance to make a steady income on the side. But beware, the shiny promise often hides a less sparkly truth.
MLMs have a special allure for homemakers and moms. Catchy phrases like “boss babe” and “mompreneur” aren’t just fun tags—they’re bait for those juggling kids and careers. But here’s the catch: MLMs walk a tightrope between being a legit business and a sketchy pyramid scheme. The rule of thumb? Sell more, recruit less. Yet, this line gets blurry, stirring up debates and legal headaches.
Take Becca Manners’ tale, for example. She dived into MLMs hoping for belonging and a sense of purpose. It started with high hopes but soon turned into an endless loop of selling and recruiting, straining friendships and leaving her feeling alone. The same words that once lifted her spirits now trapped her, making her think giving up meant failing her dreams. Becca’s journey is a stark reminder of the emotional cost MLMs can have.
MLMs aren’t newcomers; they’re rooted in American history, popping up after the Great Depression and catching on with 1950s housewives. Oddly enough, they’re also tied to certain religious beliefs, especially the prosperity gospel that mixes money-making with divine approval. This blend of faith and finance not only boosts MLMs but also stirs moral questions.
In a nutshell, MLMs mix business, empowerment, and the risk of taking advantage. Tread carefully if you’re thinking of joining—the line between a real chance and a trap is super thin. Despite all the talk of financial freedom, MLMs can leave you with less cash and more worries.
Lesson 5: Finding Balance in Fitness Frenzy
Think of the latest fitness craze as a smoothie blend of dance, kickboxing, and yoga. It’s not just about sweating it out; it’s a full-on mind-body makeover. Programs like intenSati promise to pump up your muscles and your mood.
But hold on, could these feel-good classes be a bit… cult-like? Yep, they’re all about the “good vibes only” mantra. Places like intenSati and SoulCycle are more than just gyms; they’re like clubs where everyone knows your name, and the instructors are like your personal cheerleaders. It’s a vibe, but it’s got a dark side too.
Why? Because sometimes, too much of a good thing can turn bad—like when a yoga brand gets caught up in a scandal. So, watch out for fitness tribes that push you too hard or ask you to drink some weird Kool-Aid. Go for the ones that celebrate everyone’s unique style and keep things safe and sound.
What else should you look out for? How much they want you to commit, if the coach is cool or kinda bossy, and what happens if you bail. The best classes are the ones that give you the reins, not the ones that make you follow a fitness guru.
To wrap it up, fitness spots can be great for both your biceps and your brain. But remember to check the vibe and make sure it’s all about healthy living, not just following the leader. And hey, if you’re thinking of joining, think about what you really need, set some limits, and don’t get lost in the crowd.
Next up, we’ll dive into how social media influencers are shaping our lives, just like those high-energy fitness classes.
Lesson 6: Navigating the Maze of Online Influence
Welcome to the digital jungle, where Instagram gurus and Twitter mystics are the new sherpas to enlightenment. Picture Bentinho Massaro, a guru for the internet age, who’s got the art of digital devotion down pat. With a sprinkle of mystic jargon and a dash of dazzling posts, he promises a one-way ticket to spiritual nirvana.
But it’s not all hashtags and halo effects. The sad tale of Brent Wilkins casts a long shadow, showing us the flip side of following these online oracles. Seduced by Massaro’s words, Wilkins’ journey ended in tragedy at a retreat meant for soul-searching. It’s a stark warning of the power these influencers wield, sometimes leading their followers down a dangerous path.
Yet, it’s not all doom and gloom. Not every group with a guru at the helm is out to get you. Some offer genuine chances for growth—think Carl Sagan with his starry-eyed wisdom, urging us to explore with an open heart but a questioning mind.
In this vast virtual cosmos, you’re the captain of your ship. You decide how deep to dive into the sea of spiritual tweets and enlightened posts. Just remember to keep your wits about you, balancing the quest for inner peace with a pinch of good old common sense.
As we swipe through the stories and selfies, let’s not forget that while social media can light up our lives, it’s wise to keep one foot on solid ground, mixing our digital dreams with a healthy dose of reality.
Final summary
It turns out, the kind of language you’d expect in cults is actually all around us! From your local gym fanatics to internet influencers, it’s in places we wouldn’t expect.
Why It Matters: Words have power, especially when we’re looking for a group to fit into. They can draw us in, making us feel like we’re part of something bigger.
The Flip Side: But there’s a catch. This ‘cultish’ talk can lead to some serious issues, like unfair judgments and even fights. It’s important we pay attention to our words to build a kinder world.
About the author
Amanda Montell is not just any writer; she’s a word wizard and podcast queen from LA. She’s got three hit books, including the buzzed-about “Wordslut,” and she’s the voice behind the popular podcast “Sounds Like A Cult.”