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In this episode, Lisa speaks with Steije Hofhuis, a lecturer in cultural history at the Department of History and Art History at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, to continue the conversation about the use of fear, doubt, and disinformation throughout history as a means of societal manipulation.
Dr Hofhuis’ research shows that cultural viruses, or mindbugs, have adapted and evolved in a Darwinian manner through the spread of negative information contagions that manipulate and propagandize data for the benefit of one group over another.
This episode is a bonus special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…
Steije Hofhuis PhD — How Mind Bugs Undermined Common Sense:
The evolution of misbeliefs and how they adapt culturally. {2:29}
Belief systems during the Holocaust and witch hunts contained similar components. {5:56}
In contemporary society, fear-based conspiracy theories are cultural viruses. {9:06}
Steije became eager to collaborate with others at CIRCE after reading Andy Norman’s book, Mental Immunity. {17:21}
During early witch hunts, skeptics did try to communicate with believers using the concept of love. {20:53}
About Lisa’s guests:
Steije Hofhuis, PhD is a cultural historian at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a postdoctoral researcher at the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB). His work primarily focuses on European witch-hunting, Darwinian theory, and migration history. His research offers a compelling perspective on one of history's most persistent and insidious cultural memes.
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Disclaimer: This communication is for information only and does not constitute mental health treatment nor is it indicative of a therapeutic relationship. Individuals in need of treatment for mental health or psychological concerns should seek out services from appropriate mental healthcare professionals.
