Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, believed that crowd behavior (sometimes called “mob psychology”) leads to unlocking the unconscious mind in becoming identified with a “group mentality” in the slogans or motivations of a charismatic leader. More contemporary theories of crowd behavior, such as psychologist Philip Zimbardo’s idea of “deindividuation,” claim that anonymity and group unity can persuade people to lose their concern for others, and reduce their sensitivity to guilt, remorse, and self-evaluation. In this podcast, we will talk about the power of “suggestion” and how it functions in close relationships and public spaces. If you wonder how and why anti-social behavior and lack of forethought can overtake people in large protests or mass movements, this podcast is for you.
In North American society, we make war on our enemies, opposing ideals, cancer, drugs, bullying, and false news. What do we mean and what...
The Buddha repeatedly taught that we should regard ourselves and others by the consequences of our actions (including our speech) and not by our...
As the history of Homo Sapiens suggests, we are more likely to be at war against others in our species, than to be able...