Are you obsessed with your favorite celebrity, sports team or political movement? If so, you may be engaging in cultish behaviorāand you’re not alone. In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, Amanda Montell provides an enlightening exploration of the psychological phenomena that drive fanaticism and its effects on our daily lives. Drawing on her own experiences as a former member of a religious cult, Montell offers readers an insider’s look at the thought processes and behaviors shared by devotees of all stripes. She explains how seemingly innocuous activities like flipping through tabloid magazines or watching reality TV can prime us for cultlike thinking, ultimately leading to dangerous decisions and destructive relationships. With insight and humor, Montell shows us how to become more aware of when we might be veering down a path toward fanaticismāand empowers us to take back control.
For who is this book for ?
Cultish is for anyone interested in understanding the psychology of fanaticism. Montell provides an enlightening exploration of the psychological phenomena that drive fanaticism and its effects on our daily lives.Drawing on her own experiences as a former member of a religious cult, Montell offers readers an insider’s look at the thought processes and behaviors shared by devotees of all stripes. She explains how seemingly innocuous activities like flipping through tabloid magazines or watching reality TV can prime us for cultlike thinking, ultimately leading to dangerous decisions and destructive relationships.With insight and humor, Montell shows us how to become more aware of when we might be veering down a path toward fanaticismāand empowers us to take back control.
Pros :
- Cultish is a well-researched, informative look at the psychology of fanaticism.
- Montell offers readers valuable insight into their own behaviors and thought processes.
- The book is written in an engaging, accessible style that makes it easy to read.
Cons :
- It’s dense
- It’s dry
- There are better books on this subject
Learn more about the author
Amanda Montell is a journalist and author who has written for publications including The Atlantic, Elle, Glamour, and Marie Claire. She was previously a staff writer at Slate, where she covered language, culture, and social science. Cultish is her first book.
Reader Reviews
“Cultish is an eye-opening look at the psychology of fanaticism. Amanda Montell provides a smart, insightful exploration of how cults prey on our vulnerabilities and offers practical advice for resisting their pull. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding why we do the things we do.”
“Montell has done an exceptional job of exploring the psychology behind cultish behavior. Her writing is accessible and engaging, even for those of us who have never been involved in a cult.”
“Cultish is an essential read for anyone wanting to understand how and why people become fanatical about anything. Montell provides a clear, concise exploration of the psychological phenomena that drive fanaticism, analyzing its effects on our daily lives with insight and humor. A must-read for anyone interested in cults, psychology, or sociology.”
“Cultish is an engaging and informative read. Montell provides a unique perspective on fanaticism, drawing from her own experiences as a former member of a cult. The book is well-researched and covers a wide range of topics, including the psychology of cults, celebrity worship, political movements, and more. Cultish is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding fanaticism and its effects on our daily lives.”
