Why do otherwise intelligent people join complete nonsense new age cults?

Question

When it is so painfully obvious for everyone around them what absolute nonsense it is, and what blatant con artists these people are? And family members can only look on helplessly as the person accumulates debt, claims to have finally found the meaning of life, and won't listen to any attempts at making them see reason?

to thezaylady: Beause, they're clearly hurting themselves, throwing away years of hard work and the damage (financial, emotional and psychological) is probably going to take years to undo and I care!

Answer 1

I recently met one of these cultic personalities, and believe me, they arrogantly dislike to not be believed because they have deceived even themselves.

The leaders of cults have charismatic characters, and they take advantage of the person's love of novelty and interest in the unknown. They claim that they have a special doctrine, God-given knowledge of the truth, and they compellingly tell their story. The cult leaders take advantage of curious minds. Cults tend to have knowledge pyramids, with exclusive access to knowledge of the cult's doctrine, knowledge of which the cult leaders claim will bring the followers enlightenment or improved spiritual well-being.

For example, scientology followers are not allowed to know the whole scientology doctrine. They are treated as if they need to merit further knowledge. Curiousity keeps the followers coming back for more, and doing all that the cult requires them to do so that they will be recognized by the cult leaders as meriting a higher level of access to knowledge of the cult's doctrine. Those at the top of the cult treat followers as if they are too unenlightened to merit full knowledge of the cult's doctrine, and when the followers obtain knowledge and question the doctrine the cult leaders treat them as if they are unenlightened for questioning it.

I know what I say from research, not from personal experience. I have never been in a cult, and do not intend to join one anytime soon.

Answer 2

Humans are pack animals. We need to have that feeling of belonging. Something to identify us. People join such groups because at some level they identify with them. Remember that saying birds of a feather fly together. So, maybe they have the same ideology, dress code, or what not and that is what atracts them. Whether what they practice is true or not a lot of times is inconcequential. If it was about truth then everybody would be a scientist. Not because scientist are always right (they are wrong a great deal of time) but, the system allows for truth to be found. However, science does not address the human spirit. Not ghost but the emotional aspect so this is why there will always be religion. On that note religion is not about the quest for truth. Sure, their practitioners would like to validate their belief but is not a system based on how to find truth. You cannot find truth base on faith. This is because faith will blind you. How can you find if something is true or not if you don't put it to the test? Religion in general frowns upon testing their belief. Anyways, as long as any religion or cult fulfills a need the truth of things will be over looked and people will join them.

Answer 3

Because emotion is much stronger than intellect. I think it's safe to say that everyone in this world is looking for some form of fulfillment and that is something that no one can blame. So the question to them is not whether the new age cults are nonsense or not, but whether they feel they are gaining something of value or not. It would seem to them that they are, but to the others around them, who might have different values and perspectives, that they are not.

As Blaise Pascal once said, " We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart."

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Such people do not have comprehensive, or global intellects. In some situations, they are quite rational; in other situations, they are quite childlike. A variant of the autustic idiot savant (ex: Rain Man) if you will. Counting like a champ one second and ranting about boxer shorts from K-mart the next. This applies to anyone who shows glaring inconsistencies in their thought processes and actions.

Answer 6

It is because those people have ridiculously low self esteem and want to belong. There is also the concept my husband points out regularly that there is a direct correlation between high IQ and low common sense!

Answer 7

maybe you're giving them too much credit. if they've joined a cult they obviously aren't as intelligent as you thought because they can't see how its wrecking their lives. how intelligent can a person really be if they can't recognise reason when they hear it? something in their lives was obviously lacking for them to be duped by some group of con artists.

Answer 8

Because it is nonsense to you doesn't mean it is nonsense to other people. I would bet that your attempts to help your family members or friends "see reason," makes them angry and they just shut you out.

You catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar.

Answer 9

I think it is because they have a whole bag of problems and need the love of others. It's for all the same reason people join gangs. This is kind of like gangs for skinny, wimpy people.

Answer 10

I agree, these cults are usually a scam. people sometimes want to be innovative and such though.