The Psychology of Totalitarianism

If you struggle to understand the madness that took over so many of your neighbors during the covid debacle, this psychiatrist explains "mass formation." Why and how do groups become locked into a uniform way of thinking even when that thinking is absurd and causes them harm? Desmet gives examples both contemporary and historical. He also addresses conspiracies and things that only appear to be so, but are actually just groups behaving predictably and automatically. This is a deep dive into the human mind. Despite the heaviness of the topic, Desmet manages to offer encouragement. I'm glad I read this.