28 October 2019
Rule #4: Don’t join a cult
It is interesting to observe that social media seems to be an amplifying technology. Not only does it allow one to broadcast thoughts, beliefs, conscious and unconscious psychologies, the mechanism of the technologies itself returns to it what is being broadcast. As within, so without. It correctly assumes that most are interested in their own beliefs and the “rightness” of the beliefs by numbers that seem to echo back. It’s the making of a personal cult.
Unfortunately, cult leaders rarely are out to do good for others. They are more interested in convincing others of their rightness and to use the power gained from the street cred, largely to see what else they can milk out of the notoriety. Self-awareness and being able to take constructive feedback are not required skills. Cult leaders of every size generally become more and more malignant versions of themselves, hiding behind an electronic screen, like the small Wizard of Oz, ever fearful of being exposed, lest they are seen in a light of truth.
There is something addictive about seeing someone else who has a passion, a vision in amplifying their deep-rooted beliefs and interests. That’s their life. Every second, minute, time frame you give to them was traded with one of yours. Ever stop to reflect what it gave to you in the long run, other than passing time? How has it added constructively to your life? Are you more prosperous, more wise, more able to manage some aspect of your life because of that time spent? What was your return on investment?
While uncomfortable initially, perhaps those who break the echo chamber and offer constructive rebuke, a different perspective, are more helpful to break the spell of these cults. Friends do not merely reflect back what you believe, and should be trusted counsel, trading wisdom where you have blind spots, and generally improving both your circumstances. Cults come in a variety of sizes, beliefs of varying distance to truth, among other metrics. Even “truth” can be manipulated such that it has no bearing to reality. If you can be made to believe the unverifiable, you can be manipulated to do the unconscionable.
Whose life are you living? Is whatever you are doing adding to your life or to someone else who is asking you to be their echo chamber? What are you getting out of it? Take a few seconds every hour, within every activity to ask yourself these questions. Find value to trade for every precious moment of your life.
Mama's Rules 