Brainwashed: A New History of Thought Control

Daniel Pick's book "Brainwashed" explores the belief that it is possible to marshal scientific knowledge to govern someone's mind, flourishing in the era of Cold War paranoia and experimentation. He delves into the mysterious world of brainwashing in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, mixing fascinating case studies with historical and psychological insights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A truly exceptional book, hailed by the Guardian as an engrossing exploration and praised by Tortoise as a remarkable and comprehensive analysis of a word and a concept. From the very first page, I was captivated by its spellbinding allure.

In 1953, a group of prisoners of war who had bravely fought against the communist invasion of South Korea were released. Interestingly, they chose, seemingly freely, to relocate to Mao's China. Among the twenty-one American GIs who refused repatriation were a significant number. This decision raised alarm in the West, prompting questions about their motivations and the underlying circumstances. Speculation began to spread that the POWs had undergone brainwashing, a phenomenon that had been debated for centuries. Was this a novel concept or an age-old phenomenon that had resurfaced in the context of the Cold War and the exploration of altered states?

The belief that scientific knowledge could be harnessed to control someone's mind gained widespread attention during this era of paranoia and experimentation. Brainwashing permeated various aspects of society, manifesting in critiques of CIA research on LSD, warnings about corporate groupthink, visions of automaton assassins, and conspiracy theories about global elites. It became an accepted notion, ingrained in our psychological and political language, shaped by our understanding of minds and societies.

In his book, Psychoanalyst and historian Daniel Pick delves into the enigmatic realm of brainwashing, spanning the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From the iconic The Manchurian Candidate to the rise of ISIS, from television advertising to online algorithms, Pick offers a stimulating journey into the mysteries of thought control. Through captivating case studies and insightful historical and psychological insights, Brainwashed provides a thought-provoking exploration of the mechanisms behind mind manipulation and the impact it has had on individuals and societies.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of human behavior, the power of persuasion, and the dark side of human nature. It sheds light on the ways in which our thoughts and beliefs can be manipulated, and challenges us to be more aware of the influences surrounding us. Brainwashed is a testament to the enduring relevance of this topic and the importance of critical thinking and self-awareness in navigating the world we live in.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781257906
Edition number: Main