How to Spot a Cult | Sarah Edmondson | TED

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  • Опубликовано: 4 апр 2024
  • Nobody joins a cult on purpose, says Sarah Edmondson, a former member of the infamous Nxivm cult and one of the three whistleblowers that led to its downfall. She explains how she got ensnared in this highly manipulative group - and then escaped it - and shares red flags to help you distinguish between a cult and a safe community.
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Комментарии • 455

  • @ItsDannyRobbins
    @ItsDannyRobbins 17 дней назад +83

    My former workplace used MUCH of the language she uses as examples, and it makes sense why it was so hard for me to leave despite feeling burned out. I felt like I was abandoning a place that "needed me" when in reality, I was no more irreplaceable than the next employee. Dont ever let a company make you feel like you can't leave. In fact, you probably SHOULD.

    • @JimPfarr
      @JimPfarr 17 дней назад +4

      I can totally relate. Direct Supply in Milwaukee is very cultish, I got fired for refusing to drink the cool aid, thankfully my military training kept my morals and behavior in check.

    • @SleepyEyeglassFrames-rt9qy
      @SleepyEyeglassFrames-rt9qy День назад +1

      PruittHealth SAME. ANY workplace says “we are a FAMILY”. Means NO BOUNDARIES

  • @dudeamongus
    @dudeamongus 19 дней назад +114

    As someone who was raised in a cult their entire life and got out in my early 30's, I believe you've not mentioned the most important hallmark of a cult. They will discourage any other journey. There's is the 'best' way, and questioning it using logic and reason is basically not well accepted.

    • @noahkling4018
      @noahkling4018 17 дней назад +8

      True…I was the same. They are the only place to find answers. They convince people that they can’t survive outside on their own. Questions aren’t allowed.

    • @Aberadore
      @Aberadore 17 дней назад +5

      I think she talks about at 10:38

    • @MM-we4no
      @MM-we4no 16 дней назад +2

      It’s **theirs* not there’s

    • @hopegold883
      @hopegold883 16 дней назад

      She said that

    • @user-dq2ym1nn9k
      @user-dq2ym1nn9k 15 дней назад +1

      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?
      Safe and Effective?

  • @wesshort7202
    @wesshort7202 16 дней назад +42

    Sarah, watching that HBO series gave me the courage to escape a 30 year toxic marriage and ended up literally saving my life.

  • @lessarey
    @lessarey 11 дней назад +15

    I spent 40+ years in an abusive family dynamic. After walking away, I realized it was “run like a cult” by my mother. So yes, families can be cult-like as well.

    • @marcelacarrillogonzalez6085
      @marcelacarrillogonzalez6085 День назад

      Me too. Sadly, the leader sa all of his daughters. The mother was an accomplice as when each started to speak up individually, she silenced them for the sake of his image. Cut Ties with parents and distanced from siblings already 9 years. Healing started really transforming me until then, previous efforts on therapy always failed as I did not disclose the situation completely.

  • @genevalawrence801
    @genevalawrence801 23 дня назад +87

    There is a book called Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell. It’s a fascinating read about how cults and cult-like groups use language to draw people in and to exercise control. The author also looks at how much modern marketing uses the language of cults to create brand loyalty.

    • @_negentropy_
      @_negentropy_ 17 дней назад +3

      The HubermanLab podcast uses these tactics.

    • @LisaSmith-yb2uz
      @LisaSmith-yb2uz 17 дней назад +2

      Thanks for this reading recommendation 😊

    • @cameronmanderfield1719
      @cameronmanderfield1719 14 дней назад +3

      Sarah Edmondon and Nippy interviewed Amanda on their podcast A Little Bit Culty and they do a great job of reviewing the concepts in her book. Fantastic listen along with the book!

  • @sbowesuk
    @sbowesuk 24 дня назад +69

    Hate to say it, but my mum is really prone to being sucked in my people/orgs that are blatantly detrimental. Married my dad who had a history of violence. At one point had considered joining scientology, but thankfully didn't for reasons unknown.
    In my mum's case, she's overly trusting, impulsive, and seeks/maintains connections to fill the void, even if said connections are clearly not healthy. Her ability to think objectively/critically is poor. Not trying to be mean to my mum, but the frank truth is cults feed on such weaknesses. It's as simple as that.

    • @jamalhartley5863
      @jamalhartley5863 21 день назад +5

      Very true. They find your weakness and pick at it to the point they make you feel you need them to be strong.

    • @JimmyW00ip2
      @JimmyW00ip2 20 дней назад +4

      Keep close to your mom

  • @alexandrawelch1784
    @alexandrawelch1784 24 дня назад +78

    Thank you for having the courage to speak the truth and seek justice! This is so much more common than we care to acknowledge.

  • @mikejettusa
    @mikejettusa 24 дня назад +64

    Beautiful message and beautiful person. She could just go on with her life, but decided to share her experience with the hopes of helping others learn from her mistakes. ❤

    • @THEPLAN6
      @THEPLAN6 17 дней назад +1

      A real life hero

  • @calebash82
    @calebash82 16 дней назад +13

    Looking at you , Landmark. I had a person who I thought was a really genuine friend who wanted to help me during a very tumultuous time in my life. Try really hard to recruit me into landmark and it almost cost me more than I could ever afford. I'm so glad I realized quickly what was going on and got away. I asked that person firmly with a text message to never discuss landmark or anything to do with landmark with me ever again, she promptly replied okay and that she understood and all of a sudden. She never wanted to hang out with me ever again. I realized in that moment she was never a friend at all

    • @DiscoDashco
      @DiscoDashco 14 дней назад

      Oh wow. I think I’m technically a Landmark graduate. This was about 25 years ago in Chicago before I left home for the military. Going through it, it just felt like church but without the presence of God included. Looking back, it still felt that way for the most part. Nowadays, I would tell anyone considering Landmark to just find their local chapter of Toast Masters instead to get the same experience for much cheaper if not free.

    • @davidj6755
      @davidj6755 3 дня назад

      My former employer tried to force me to join Landmark. I went to their orientation having no idea what it was. Fortunately, just from what I had learned in my college general psychology course, I was able to recognize it as a cult pretty quickly. I ended up quitting that position not long after.
      We should be taught how to recognize cults in public schools. Most of the other people in that orientation seemed oblivious to how they were being manipulated.

  • @BatmanHQYT
    @BatmanHQYT 24 дня назад +54

    Hey it's the NXIVM lady from The Vow! Good on her for getting out.

  • @beaker8111
    @beaker8111 17 дней назад +13

    Feels a little ... paranoid. I was raised in a cult and am no longer involved. I'm out. I can get invited to yoga or a spin class without thinking that person is love bombing me. Don't use examples like, "Hey do you want to go get a coffee." That's just normal. You could use the example of your distant cousin saying "Hey do you want to go get a coffee and talk about a great new opportunity?" (omg run)

  • @marciadafne
    @marciadafne 18 дней назад +19

    Before this whole thing blew up I met someone who was in Nexivm, he hired me to design some flyers so he could promote it. When I asked him for the logo and he didn't have a jpg file, I told him I could just look it up online.
    He said "yeah... you might find some stuff online about them being a cult, but it's just because the parent of some members is sore about his daughters cutting contact with him. Don't pay any attention to it"
    So of course I read the whole article and was glad I never went to one of the meetings I was invited to.

  • @leveljoe
    @leveljoe 24 дня назад +43

    It's more about total control through small moves.
    It involves removing opposition, silencing free will, " us versus them" mentality, group over individual mentality, exclusive societies, social identity, identifying dangers that don't exist....
    Politics
    Science
    Religion
    A cult tells you that you are at your best when you are around those in your cult, because those other people are dangerous.
    They tap into a fear we are born with.
    "Only we can be right."
    "Others should be punished."

    • @streamtracker
      @streamtracker 17 дней назад +1

      Science has self-correcting mechanisms and yields real results. Thank you, science, for providing the knowledge that's kept me alive. Science is not a cult. Although a cult leader might tell you it is.

    • @leveljoe
      @leveljoe 17 дней назад

      @@streamtracker
      Science has been used to destroy more lives than any religion.
      From bombs to guns to chemical and biological weapons, the sciences have been there to make people unalive in new and previously unimaginable ways..
      To ignore that there are huge industrial complexs built for scientists to develop new and more deadly processes is to ignore reality.
      Science is absolutely a cult. Any new discovery is immediately met with opposition.
      Although a cult member wouldn't acknowledge this.

    • @leveljoe
      @leveljoe 17 дней назад

      @@streamtracker Science has been used to destroy more people than any religion.
      From bombs to guns to chemical and biological weapons, the sciences have been there to make off people in new and previously unimaginable ways..
      To ignore that there are huge industrial complexs built for scientists to develop new and more deadly processes is to ignore reality.
      Science is absolutely a cult. Any new discovery is immediately met with opposition.
      Although a cult member wouldn't acknowledge this.

    • @texlad04
      @texlad04 12 дней назад

      Fear of other drives most human behavior. Basic human psychology. How disappointing that we can't get past it.

    • @leveljoe
      @leveljoe 12 дней назад

      @streamtracker
      Science has destroyed more lives through wars and inventions than religion ever has.
      Science regularly shuts down debate and destroys people's abilities to work in their professions.
      It's not supposed to, but it does, just like religion.
      Although a cult member might not tell you it is. They need to protect their ability to see man as a god.

  • @jaymacpherson8167
    @jaymacpherson8167 22 дня назад +18

    “Any group can become culty.” I quit a group in 1980. In 2012, I realized I had been in a cult. The group was…
    Martial arts training. The cost was very low. But when our Shihon had me meet in private and beat me, causing hip to knee hematomas in both legs, I got out. I missed it so much that after 6 months, I returned…until I made a request that was not honored. So I left for good.

    • @DiscoDashco
      @DiscoDashco 14 дней назад +1

      That’s a really vague story. What’s up with the quotations? I wouldn’t go around telling other that martial arts in general is parallel to a cult. Do your diligence before joining an institution; find out how long has it been around, meet the staff and introduce yourself to other students, verify how the program works and the ranking system, and ask qualifying questions when you’re offered or asked to do anything that is not typical or explained in class or on their website. If there are multiple instructors, ask the other ones what the significance of anything that id asked of you. Lastly, no one should be pressuring you to do something on an individual level without someone else knowing you’re attendance along with what it’s for.
      Point is, try not to go around labeling something as broad as “martial arts” as a cult just because you had a bad experience and lack an appropriate judge of character toward individual people, or the ability to spot red flags. But if someone did something specifically inappropriate to you, that’s a whole different situation and I’m sorry for that, because honorable Udansha will always embody integrity, and only encourage others. They will never pressure those beneath them to do anything they themselves are not ready for.

    • @jaymacpherson8167
      @jaymacpherson8167 5 дней назад

      @@DiscoDashco Well Dash, as far as being vague, there just doesn’t seem to be enough room in a RUclips comment to insert the book I wrote about the experience. Don’t go looking for the book. It has not yet been published.

  • @KiwiKirsty1983
    @KiwiKirsty1983 24 дня назад +26

    The number one way you know you've joined a cult, is if you give until you have nothing left, and its still not good enough. You aren't good enough, and they make you feel like you have nothing to offer them, or anyone else. Period. Forever.

  • @curiousworld7912
    @curiousworld7912 24 дня назад +28

    I so wish this girl the best life going forward.

  • @NamastePeace1111
    @NamastePeace1111 24 дня назад +54

    Society puts us in the mindset that we need validation and love from others. That's why cults are successful. The source of love is and always HAS been with us. We are born in it. There is nothing wrong with being alone. Time of reflection, growth, love, and healing can happen alone. Discernment also grows, because you know yourself and intentions. Which helps you understand other's intentions. The sad thing is that cults only are a deeper rabbithole that was created by religion. A tool used to control those who believe. I'm not opposed to messages of love and compassion. I am opposed to using those messages used to garner obedience and to create false narratives. Love has no religion, yet it's the ultimate religion.

    • @caseymiller7201
      @caseymiller7201 24 дня назад +3

      ❤️ One Love

    • @russgodinho3358
      @russgodinho3358 24 дня назад

      Wow!!, 20 people agree w/you at this point….I suppose the trillions of Christians over two thousand years must've indulged in delirium for their lifetimes. Cults quickly degenerated to Religion in your order of things. There seems to be a contradiction w/your general belief system and Namastepeace1111….It's comforting that you're as discombobulated as the rest of us, but if you're unsure, as you clearly are, is it the best approach is to undervalue the beliefs of others? Mind you, if you have proof that God is a myth, and that our Lord didn't actually create the gift of Love that you value,….well, I'm all ears….After all, we're not to follow lost leaders like sheep. The people who rule our world believe in Religion, but they don't worship the same Deity that most of us do….Love is not high on their agenda…Don't believe me? Research it for yourself, because all you're doing is actually supporting them. God Bless

  • @_negentropy_
    @_negentropy_ 17 дней назад +8

    I’m so glad she’s safe. So much of what she described here exists in parasocial groups too. Podcast and social media influencers with a sick amount of control over their followers.

    • @THEPLAN6
      @THEPLAN6 17 дней назад +1

      She was branded with a tattoo. Insane

  • @KylaWalls
    @KylaWalls 13 дней назад +4

    I won't mention the company's name. But a friends son has pretty much turned his whole life over to a MLM organization. Over five years now. He went from being this sweet, curious friendly young man to an automaton who just spews slogans and toxic positivity. He believes that if he can just bring enough people in "under" him, he will soon have a huge glass house on the beach and he'll never have to work a day in his life again. In 5 years he's brought in less than 10 people and some of them ended up dropping out. He still scopes out people at coffee shops and tries to make seemingly innocent small talk. He then tells them he knows how they can make a lot of money and be financially solvent for the rest of their lives. Hes been asked to leave at least one coffee shop. He buys boxes of products from the MLM company to make it look like he's got a real business going. But he just buys those items and those boxes sit in a closet as he tries to pawn them off on family and friends, what few non MLM friends he still might have. Its so sad to watch this young man who was smart and kind and friendly become a shill for a MLM organization that just rips people off.

  • @cozycomfy589
    @cozycomfy589 21 день назад +58

    IMO, introverts are less susceptible to cults because we don’t like to join groups.

    • @JimmyW00ip2
      @JimmyW00ip2 20 дней назад +3

      True

    • @marktimbrook562
      @marktimbrook562 17 дней назад

      But you lead them...

    • @shieh.4743
      @shieh.4743 17 дней назад +4

      Agree! I shun any group that requires any kind of commitment because I know I will hate that. I also realize that everyone is susceptible for something, but I also think people pleasers are especially vulnerable.

    • @aduad
      @aduad 17 дней назад

      Not with the internet now!...you sound like someone in a virtual cult!

    • @krsajith22
      @krsajith22 16 дней назад +2

      Not true.

  • @jeanh9641
    @jeanh9641 24 дня назад +25

    You are a brave person to acknowledge your vulnerability and how you were groomed to join this unhealthy organisation. I am sure this helps protect other people. Well done.

  • @JokerInk-CustomBuilds
    @JokerInk-CustomBuilds 22 дня назад +12

    How to avoid joining a cult?
    -whenever someone claims to have all the answers you call them a liar and leave!😂

  • @patrickquine3945
    @patrickquine3945 24 дня назад +48

    Dated a girl briefly who'd been sucked into the Landmark Forum cult. Truly scary to realize these groups operate amongst us and the kind of power they can have over people. Landmark Forum is based on a similar approach to Scientology (since it's a spin-off group) - use people's personal trauma to humiliate and control them and replace any sense of self with the group.

  • @killerquack9760
    @killerquack9760 24 дня назад +92

    Buy those hats, trading cards, flags and bible 😂

    • @Jimmy4video
      @Jimmy4video 23 дня назад +29

      Don't forget the shoes

    • @GaiaCarney
      @GaiaCarney 22 дня назад +30

      And a monthly donation to the legal defense fund!

    • @teresafischer2125
      @teresafischer2125 17 дней назад +9

      And tennis shoes!

    • @stevensiferd7104
      @stevensiferd7104 13 дней назад +6

      @@Jimmy4video And let's not forget the steaks, the how to get rich books, and the "university" courses. And if you perform a paid service, get a 50% deposit up front.

    • @mishaelfernandez1
      @mishaelfernandez1 13 дней назад +3

      I didn’t know about the trading cards 😆

  • @jimm6386
    @jimm6386 16 дней назад +4

    My older brother said something to me in high school - that so many people were compulsive joiners - they were the kids who were in everything - the cheerleaders, the slide rule club, the service club, the baseball team, the basketball team, the wrestling team, the swim team. When it came time to create the yearbook, their faces were all over the place from cover to cover. So I asked myself why? Why do these people feel like that have to belong to everything? Well, the answer is obvious. They didn't feel like they belonged at home. Pretty much spells it all out. Sheep follow a leader. If you cannot think independently, you're not thinking - you're reacting to emotions. Those who do not have control of their emotions are doomed to cults and compulsive joining - until they meet their death.

  • @thanhn6170
    @thanhn6170 23 дня назад +3

    I was in somewhat a cult before. So I know she's really brave when she stands there talking about her experience. She tries her best to protect others and fixes her mistakes. I hope things go well for everyone.

  • @charitylee1767
    @charitylee1767 19 дней назад +5

    Sounds like World Wide group
    I was a part of the company 4 months and recognized right away. I felt a lot of guilt for leaving and of course the "friends" I made no longer wanted me as a friend after. I was definitely love bombed, gaslit, they tell you it's not Amway when it really is. I was not allowed to do special girl only groups with the diamond until I got to certain levels. They tell you meetings are more important than family because"this is for your family"

  • @SusanaXpeace2u
    @SusanaXpeace2u 15 дней назад +3

    It makes sense, something wonderful on the surface. The chains of guilt and obligation are introduced slowly and mixed with positive reinforcement. Boundaries are eroded bit by bit. Sense of self is diminished bit by bit. My own family is a cult so although my mother was no keith ranieri, I understand the dynamics.

  • @angelmujahid2233
    @angelmujahid2233 15 дней назад +4

    This was an excellent Ted talk.

  • @riaanwilmans
    @riaanwilmans 19 дней назад +3

    Also look at Dr. Robert J. Lifton - Eight Criteria for Thought Reform, and Dr. Margaret T. Singer - 6 Conditions for Thought Reform.

  • @educocult
    @educocult 24 дня назад +12

    Such a GREAT Talk by an AWESOME Cult Fighter!

  • @THEPLAN6
    @THEPLAN6 17 дней назад +2

    I enjoyed this video. She is articulate and I felt she at many times was telling some of my thoughts and the life I went through while being isolated. Wish others who have had these terrible true life experiences to speak out to others or write a journal about the truth

  • @SEANALPURVIS
    @SEANALPURVIS 24 дня назад +8

    I watched the documentary that you were in and I was very proud of you for what you did. I'm glad I found this Ted talk today. Reminder to all the commenters religion of any type is man-made. A relationship with a higher power is what you seek

  • @deniseek7944
    @deniseek7944 20 дней назад +2

    Thank you for sharing your experience!! ❣️💯

  • @wiedzma_nie_niewiasta
    @wiedzma_nie_niewiasta 19 дней назад +5

    I waited a long time for this. It's finally here! 🎉

  • @FueledbyJohn
    @FueledbyJohn 24 дня назад +9

    This was an invaluable talk thank you.

  • @puppypersonLOTR
    @puppypersonLOTR 24 дня назад +3

    Love to you Sarah as well as Nippy and the boys!! Love the podcast. Thank you for all you have done for the world! ❤❤❤

  • @alswjd4406
    @alswjd4406 24 дня назад +5

    I feel you. Thank you for your bravery, Sarah. We all make mistakes and from our mistakes we acknowledge something then now you see? It was a hard journey but this has become your way to change the world into a better place 🧡🙏🏻😚🌿🌎🦋💕

    • @alswjd4406
      @alswjd4406 24 дня назад

      Everything has happened for us❤

  • @someguynamedelan
    @someguynamedelan 19 дней назад +5

    If the graphic design for the meditation or prayer flyer is too good, it is probably a cult. If the flyer is just from a copy machine. designed with clip art or from a mimeograph, that is probably a church. Even better, if their website design hasn't been updated in 20 years, that is also probably a church.

    • @Goldzwiebel
      @Goldzwiebel 15 дней назад

      you're right! This applies to all non-profit organizations that collect donations. Just say "wow, the flyer is great" and if you don't hear back "yes one of our members has a printing company and donats them" the organisation has too much money and/or isn't using it well.

  • @geedad
    @geedad 17 дней назад

    Thank you for speaking up and sharing. In case it also helps, in my experience healthy relationships are never always too easy nor too hard. Nor does it switch from easy to hard too fast in a blink of an eye. You are better with it or even need it, but it does not consume your life and you still are you even without it all the time. I find it true with people, things, even food. Always try to do better but you are enough. You will be ok.

  • @rikabernar
    @rikabernar 24 дня назад +7

    Thank you for sharing ❤ ❤ ❤

  • @mushroom_thrillers
    @mushroom_thrillers 18 дней назад +2

    Powerful. Thank you

  • @Rnankn
    @Rnankn 24 дня назад +8

    Good advice. I’m envious of her ability to trust, and connect with others. The opposite has its risks too. Being skeptical can lead to cynicism and an absence of belonging.

    • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
      @user-sk7zc1fc5u 24 дня назад

      But very few people talk about the wealthiest and largest cult in America. Why not? It has almost every characteristic Sarah talked about. Has millions of members.

  • @GransomHayes_author
    @GransomHayes_author 19 дней назад +2

    The most heroic ted talk I’ve ever seen

  • @MARIAM_M_AYOUB
    @MARIAM_M_AYOUB 21 день назад +2

    God bless your heart!
    Thank you for spreading the wisdom! 🙏❤️✨

  • @susantocp
    @susantocp 16 дней назад +2

    She's so inspiring. And she's also so fit.

  • @Estee.Ar.6869
    @Estee.Ar.6869 16 дней назад +4

    Thank you Sarah and TED, great information. I wish I knew this information before I joined the Jehovah's Witnesses.

  • @cutydryver1
    @cutydryver1 21 день назад +4

    Koch Industries is an example of this. Lived it myself there.

    • @jozz2248
      @jozz2248 17 дней назад +1

      How they run their businesses? In what ways, if you don't mind sharing?

  • @LE-pq3lu
    @LE-pq3lu 24 дня назад +1

    Thank you ❤

  • @bmk5219
    @bmk5219 24 дня назад +3

    That was a good TED talk.

  • @erihayward1121
    @erihayward1121 19 дней назад +2

    I'm surprised she didn't talk about the BITE model for measuring cult status. Definitely would recommend ❤

  • @SusynStecchi
    @SusynStecchi 22 дня назад +53

    Thank you for being so courageous to speak out. Sounds like a description of MAGA. Stay unculty.❤

  • @chethakmp3
    @chethakmp3 24 дня назад +2

    Thank you : )

  • @NoWay1969
    @NoWay1969 24 дня назад +18

    I'm always stunned at how people can't see the root of the problem. They keep thinking that there's something out there with the "sense of connection" or the "feeling of belonging" that they're craving that isn't harmful. They keep trying to fill the hole without realizing that the hole is the problem.

    • @russgodinho3358
      @russgodinho3358 24 дня назад

      Strong words,…but how empty you must be. Atheists have gone the way of the Dodo my fine feathered friend.

    • @NoWay1969
      @NoWay1969 23 дня назад +4

      @@russgodinho3358 Or, you're just in a cult.

    • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
      @user-sk7zc1fc5u 21 день назад +1

      The one I was in grows by 250,000 converts a year.

    • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
      @user-sk7zc1fc5u 21 день назад

      @@russgodinho3358 Check PEW Research, the largest demographic study in the world, for the growth in this country and in the world of each religion and you will learn of the rise of the "nones" or the non-affiliated with organized religion. The "nones" are currently the 3rd largest group in the world and they make up one third of all Americans. Christianity is declining in America, but definitely not the "nones".

  • @alreadytired6515
    @alreadytired6515 3 дня назад

    Sadly the best inoculation to a cult is having been in a cult. Being raised in one makes me VERY sensitive to anything that slightly seems like one.

  • @Newstatejournal1
    @Newstatejournal1 22 дня назад +1

    Excellent!

  • @amyfry8498
    @amyfry8498 17 дней назад +1

    Thank you

  • @davidknightx
    @davidknightx День назад +1

    Remember, there's ultimately only one thing that separates cults from religion...how long they've been active.
    What's the difference between this woman being branded and a rape victim being forced to carry the child...even if it endangers her life, baby is nonviable, or incest?
    Honestly, I think this woman was lucky is was just branding compared to what religion can do to you in the worst circumstances.

  • @terencefitzpatrick8735
    @terencefitzpatrick8735 13 дней назад +1

    Avoid "cults of personality," organizations that are focused on a single personality: their zealous and magical leader.

  • @attilahorvath8152
    @attilahorvath8152 24 дня назад +2

    congrats & kudos

  • @jrpipik
    @jrpipik 24 дня назад +19

    The big identifier is they want your money. Not some of your money, not a tithe or weekly donation. They want ALL your money.

    • @girlfriday1299
      @girlfriday1299 24 дня назад +1

      So true. I was involved in the Kabbalah Centre for 4 1/2 years. There are many beautiful qualities, and it's not as bad as NIXVM, but the dynamic is pretty much the same.

    • @leveljoe
      @leveljoe 24 дня назад +2

      ​@@monicaleon2601Who doesn't want all your money?

    • @mistressfreezepeach
      @mistressfreezepeach 24 дня назад +1

      or all your attention/time/sanity, as is the case with the Left

    • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
      @user-sk7zc1fc5u 21 день назад +2

      @@mistressfreezepeach The left is no different than the right.

  • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
    @user-sk7zc1fc5u 24 дня назад +8

    I was in a cult for 39 years. Upon leaving I lost all my friends and I haven't seen or talked to my daughter in 8 years. No pictures of grand kids. I was a member of the most powerful cult in the world and by far the wealthiest, over $250 billion. And this cult is still thriving.

    • @musicmaven3149
      @musicmaven3149 24 дня назад +2

      Congratulations on getting yourself out. Must have been terrifying and heart wrenching. Hopefully your daughter and grandkids see through the haze and take the steps to join you someday 💛

    • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
      @user-sk7zc1fc5u 24 дня назад

      @@musicmaven3149 You can't imagine how strong the pull is. My wife died earlier than she should have, due partly I think from being a grandmother who could no longer show people pictures of her grandkids. There are online transition sites by the dozens with stories just like mine. I was a strong believer and a leader for a long time. I thought it was the only true way to God and heaven. I used to be a strong Christian, but no more. There are so many things that in earlier times a person was told that his throat would be cut and I believed all that. It begins with seeing something I needed and gradually I and my wife were hooked. But then came the internet and the information highway. And this group has over 6 million people in America. My family look down on me as a member of Satan's church.

    • @riseoftheinfinite8800
      @riseoftheinfinite8800 23 дня назад

      Fake friends. Conditional love is no love at all. Glad you’re free

    • @user-sk7zc1fc5u
      @user-sk7zc1fc5u 23 дня назад

      @@riseoftheinfinite8800 Free, but you lose a lot.

    • @osamabinbiden01
      @osamabinbiden01 21 день назад

      Opus Dei

  • @jimsullivan2813
    @jimsullivan2813 16 дней назад +2

    My former workplace checked these boxes….

  • @amandawoods8323
    @amandawoods8323 24 дня назад +5

    Ty.

  • @blasiomarvinwasenda1047
    @blasiomarvinwasenda1047 24 дня назад +251

    Most of them cults are hidden in modern religions... 🤦

    • @user-fd8oy8nw3s
      @user-fd8oy8nw3s 24 дня назад

      既存の伝統的な宗教を騙るカルトの多さには、頭を抱えます…

    • @jurekovacic1739
      @jurekovacic1739 24 дня назад +32

      Not really. You would be suprused how many of "self improvment" and "spirituality" stuff is cult

    • @mworldxyz5631
      @mworldxyz5631 24 дня назад +20

      @@jurekovacic1739 I think those are considered "modern religions"..?

    • @jurekovacic1739
      @jurekovacic1739 24 дня назад +8

      @@mworldxyz5631 hmmm... yeah. Fair. My mistake.

    • @leveljoe
      @leveljoe 24 дня назад +12

      ...and politics.

  • @DoloresJNurss
    @DoloresJNurss 5 дней назад

    Very helpful! This is one of the few cult talks I've seen that described green flags as well as red flags. Green flags matter, because we're social animals.

  • @DrSabriBebawi
    @DrSabriBebawi 22 дня назад +17

    An excellent and timely lecture. All Trump Republicans should watch it

    • @jd190d
      @jd190d 17 дней назад +12

      Trump followers have told me I blindly follow President Biden. I tell them there are about 10 people just just off the top of my head I would vote for instead of President Biden, but I would support anyone to keep trump out. I ask them who they would have instead of trump and they don't have an answer. I tell them that is one of the defining aspects of a cult, they only imagine 1 person that they would support. They make the mistake of thinking other people think like they think about things.

    • @DiscoDashco
      @DiscoDashco 14 дней назад +2

      @@jd190dWhat you’re describing about these people you’ve come across is essentially projection: accusing others of what they themselves embody or are guilty of. That right there is a symptom, a manifestation of what happens when people fail to identify fallacies within their beliefs, assumptions, or logic. This is why education is a privilege in life, for better or for worse.

    • @jd190d
      @jd190d 13 дней назад

      @@DiscoDashcoProjection is the recurring theme of the entire Republican party. Accuse others of taking power of principle, trying to destroy democracy, etc, etc, are the only thing we ever hear from Republicans while they are doing exactly those things.

  • @elisam.r.9960
    @elisam.r.9960 3 дня назад

    It almost seems like being a paranoid non-joiner is a major advantage for me. I also know I'm a broken bird and have simply accepted that lot in life.

  • @WolcottOakTree
    @WolcottOakTree 24 дня назад +12

    A lot of work environments seem a little cultish.

  • @KTravRuNEr
    @KTravRuNEr 24 дня назад +10

    Sounds like DEI, Religion, Scientology etc etc

  • @AshPragasam
    @AshPragasam 16 дней назад +2

    Ironic since in general TED talks give off cult vibes

  • @blasiomarvinwasenda1047
    @blasiomarvinwasenda1047 24 дня назад +5

    People need love and a sense of being given purpose.. and guess what, it's what they (cults) offer at the start

    • @numbercruncher6242
      @numbercruncher6242 22 дня назад +1

      I think it's more that people innately require to be told how to think and act. Our nature is to not know and to want to fast track the knowing part. We look into the world to see what to emulate.

  • @AlexDavis125
    @AlexDavis125 17 дней назад +1

    I’m glad she left the cult, but she managed to keep the tonal affectations of a cult leader. As someone who grew up in a cult I think that manner of speaking stands out extra to me. But I’m glad she’s at least using it to spread a better message.

  • @thedduck
    @thedduck 24 дня назад +4

    Well I did ✋🏼 why? I was lonely AF 😂

  • @runkus6136
    @runkus6136 17 дней назад

    True. Ive tried, they wont let me.

  • @rehoot1973
    @rehoot1973 17 дней назад +1

    I always wonder why they don’t have that tingle that something is not quite right here?!?!

  • @daspicsman
    @daspicsman 22 дня назад

    Even Ferris Bueller had a cult following. Just about anything can be turned into a cult when you turn everything else off and focus only on this.

  • @user-bh2pl3jp9x
    @user-bh2pl3jp9x 24 дня назад +1

    based on her experience is supported story Realty

  • @Darron_Matsumoto
    @Darron_Matsumoto 19 дней назад

    When Cults are ran by upper middle class or rich majorities in any culture they tend to get away with crazy things for much longer than other groups.

  • @russgodinho3358
    @russgodinho3358 24 дня назад +2

    Wiser, stronger, healed…Turn the page and move along…Life is short. XO

  • @numbercruncher6242
    @numbercruncher6242 22 дня назад +1

    Unfortunately, humans are suggestible and none of us come into this world as anything but highly suggestible individuals. What is never called a cult is the predominant cult we are immersed in. Families are cults. Religions are cults. Philosophies are cults. In a world where we need to be highly critical there is hardly even room for a personal relationship if we are true to that principle. There are no answers, because there are no questions. We would first have to be convinced of the validity of a question. We get our cues by the universality of our behaviors. If we were not so mimetically predisposed to do pattern recognition we could be free of a lot of things. In the end we are all told how to think, because we do not know how to. Choose your cults wisely is about all you can do. You're probably on the right path if you are always wandering and not following someone's predetermine path for you. It's the experience of finding what works for you that gives you your bearings, until it doesn't work for you any more. The reason why we have popular myths about dying and being born again is because that's what we end up doing many times over in our lives. Adaptation is our friend.

  • @forthesnowflakes7691
    @forthesnowflakes7691 13 дней назад +4

    How to spot a modern day cult:
    1. Red hats.

    • @thebigdawgj
      @thebigdawgj 9 дней назад

      2. "Vote blue no matter who".

    • @RE-jb2ke
      @RE-jb2ke 5 часов назад +1

      😂

    • @forthesnowflakes7691
      @forthesnowflakes7691 5 часов назад

      @@thebigdawgj that is a sane response if you're actually paying attention to how Republicans are governing or lack of governing.

    • @forthesnowflakes7691
      @forthesnowflakes7691 5 часов назад

      @@thebigdawgj that quote is a sane response for anyone who has been paying attention to what the other side has been doing

  • @johnfox9169
    @johnfox9169 3 дня назад

    I have always been curious about how and why some individuals are vulnerable to indoctrination, such as practiced by fundamentalist religious sects. I am a STEM guy, and my thinking style gives me some protection against cults a n conspiracies, I suppose. You made a wonderful transition, and I applaud your efforts to help others. Thank you 😊

  • @seankingwell3692
    @seankingwell3692 15 дней назад

    "Cults" or as most people call them, "politics, religion, school"

  • @user-dq2ym1nn9k
    @user-dq2ym1nn9k 15 дней назад

    Witnessed alot of coercive control during covid.

  • @billmimms
    @billmimms 2 дня назад

    I could only watch half of this. I still feel there wasn't an answer given to why she joined the cult other than it looked attractive. I'm continually puzzled to why some can't see some (most) organizations being cult like. I also see "business opportunities" as being cult like. I'm not mentioning any names, but they've been around for a long time. They hide behind the "multilevel marketing" label.
    I simply can't feel sorry for these individuals who succumb to the magic.

  • @RN25899
    @RN25899 24 дня назад +13

    Insert Spider-Man meme of Left and Right pointing at each other here

    • @remyllebeau77
      @remyllebeau77 24 дня назад +4

      Except one of the accusations has weight and reason behind it, the other doesn't. One side shuts down free speech, while the other upholds it.

    • @leveljoe
      @leveljoe 24 дня назад +3

      ​@remyllebeau77
      (D)on't rock the boat.

  • @UncleBiccy
    @UncleBiccy 24 дня назад +5

    Vampires live among us

  • @suzannekaufmann5205
    @suzannekaufmann5205 21 день назад +1

    If she had read a book called "When Religion Becomes Evil" by Charles Kimball before she ever joined in 2005 - the answers were there then. None of this is new. I am glad she got out.

  • @user-wg6fe5uj8r
    @user-wg6fe5uj8r 6 дней назад

    will the people in cults hear the message or will they be unable to see the red flags?

  • @Barefoot_Joe
    @Barefoot_Joe 24 дня назад +2

    Damn, I misread the title, nvm ;o)

  • @khairulnaeim756
    @khairulnaeim756 24 дня назад

    Simply just ask them... 😶

  • @jinx6854
    @jinx6854 24 дня назад +2

    wow

  • @FistandFootMartialArts
    @FistandFootMartialArts 13 дней назад +1

    She really enjoys applause. Also, not as helpful as it could have been.

  • @j.j.1064
    @j.j.1064 16 дней назад +1

    It's a great video, but the parable needs to be accurate. Considering the subject matter it's pretty important not to use a parable that relies on the audience's ignorance. Ironically it's what cults do.
    The hot water frog is actually false. The "frog in boiling water" parable is often cited to illustrate the idea that people may not notice gradual changes if they occur slowly over time. However, it's not entirely accurate from a biological standpoint. Frogs are actually sensitive to temperature changes and would likely jump out if the water became too hot, rather than passively staying until boiled. So, while the metaphor is compelling, it doesn't hold up to scientific scrutiny.
    Nevertheless it served It's purpose for the sake of the talk.

  • @ryancasey919
    @ryancasey919 12 дней назад +1

    Alcoholics Anonymous!! And improv groups. And yoga studios.

  • @Barefoot_Joe
    @Barefoot_Joe 24 дня назад +3

    Oh, I misread the title, nvm ;)

  • @herbsierra
    @herbsierra 21 день назад +1

    yep ... don't become a tool of or for the tool ...

  • @amehak1922
    @amehak1922 24 дня назад +54

    MAGA definitely counts

    • @mistressfreezepeach
      @mistressfreezepeach 24 дня назад +3

      not really. All of the Left though does

    • @amehak1922
      @amehak1922 24 дня назад +7

      @@mistressfreezepeach any examples?

    • @gridie2429
      @gridie2429 24 дня назад

      @@amehak1922 ABCDE+ is. love bombing, using "Empathy" to gaslight, they have the "answers", very expensive on Body/Psyche and the purse. Separate you from real family and friends, Tons of bad press(which you of course ignore). :D

    • @gridie2429
      @gridie2429 24 дня назад +1

      ​@@amehak1922 there are examples any come to mind, when i say, love bombing, they have the "answers", using "empathy" to gaslight, very expensive on body/psyche and the purse, tons of bad press (which you probably just ignore), completely overloaded language. So many Redflags :D :D

    • @mistressfreezepeach
      @mistressfreezepeach 24 дня назад +1

      @@amehak1922 1/2 see article "Cult Language of Woke" , or ..

  • @JimPfarr
    @JimPfarr 17 дней назад

    Sounds exactly like Scientology, every trait she describes. Someone big and brave and with deep pockets needs to shut that cult down; thank you Leah Reminy!