Dark Persuasion: A History of Brainwashing from Pavlov to Social Media

The book "The Art of Dark Persuasion" explores the evolution of brainwashing from torture and religious conversion to the age of neuroscience and social media, tracing its development through major conflicts and its use by governments, cults, and criminals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

This captivating book delves into the profound and pervasive influence of brainwashing throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Author David Dimsdale offers a compelling account of how the art of dark persuasion has evolved, leading to the proliferation of misinformation, cyberbullying, and cult-like behavior on the internet.

The book begins by tracing the origins of brainwashing, originating from its historical roots in torture and religious conversion. However, it quickly evolves into the modern era, where neuroscience and social media have played pivotal roles in shaping its development. Dimsdale highlights the enthusiastic support received by scientific approaches to brainwashing from influential figures such as Lenin and Stalin, setting the stage for significant advancements in tools for social, political, and religious control.

The book proceeds to explore the evolution of brainwashing techniques through various historical conflicts, including World War II, the Cold War, and cults. Dimsdale narrates how governments secretly raced to develop drugs for interrogation during World War II, leading to the resurgence of brainwashing practices. The Cold War era saw the rise of brainwashing in the hands of North Korea and China, prompting the establishment of a massive Manhattan Project of the Mind aimed at studying memory obliteration, indoctrination during sleep, and hallucinogens. Cults also embraced these techniques, further expanding the reach and impact of brainwashing.

The book is filled with a diverse range of characters, including Nobel laureates, university academics, intelligence operatives, criminals, and clerics. These individuals populate the shattering and dark story of brainwashing, which continues to unfold even today. The book sheds light on the mechanisms employed by brainwashers, such as repetition, suggestion, and emotional manipulation, to influence and control individuals. It also explores the long-term effects of brainwashing on individuals and society, including the erosion of personal autonomy, the spread of misinformation, and the formation of cult-like communities.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of brainwashing in shaping the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Author David Dimsdale offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the dark side of human behavior and the mechanisms employed by those who seek to manipulate and control others. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human psychology, social dynamics, and the power of persuasion.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300271034