with the same values, they behave in ways they never would when alone.
Their hope amplifies in a sort of network effect, and the social validation of
being part of a group hijacks their Thinking Brains and lets their Feeling
Brains run wild.^1
Religions bring groups of people together to mutually validate one
another and make one another feel important. It’s a big silent agreement that
if we all come together under some shared purpose, we will feel important
and worthy, and the Uncomfortable Truth will be just that much farther
away.^2
This is hugely satisfying psychologically. People just lose their shit! And
best of all, they become highly suggestible. Paradoxically, it’s only in a group
environment that the individual has no control, that he gains the perception of
perfect self-control.
The danger of this immediate access to the Feeling Brain, though, is that
large groups of people tend to do highly impulsive and irrational shit. So, on
the one hand, people get to feel whole, like they’re understood and loved. On
the other hand, they sometimes transform into murderous, angry mobs.^3
This guide will take you through the details of establishing your own
religion so you can reap the benefits of thousands of suggestible followers.
Let’s get started.