In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, author Amanda Montell examines groups, companies and individuals, and the way they use language to build communities, sometimes for harmless purposes and other times for more sinister.

“We need a more versatile way to talk about communities that are cult-like in one way or another but not necessarily connected to the supernatural. Which is why I like the word “cultish.” pg 39, ebook

Before I read this book, I believed language was powerful. Montell showed me I had no idea about the life and death reality that carefully constructed words can have over people.

“Year after year, we ask: What makes people join cults like Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate? … Here’s where the answer starts: Using systematic techniques of conversation, conditioning, and coercion, with language as their ultimate power tool, Jones and Applewhite were able to inflict unforgettable violence on their followers without personally laying a finger on them.” pg 77, ebook

And the people affected by this language are not just vulnerable people, which is what some folks believe about the others who join cults. The targets of cultish organizations can be just like you and me.

“A common belief is that cult indoctrinators look for individuals who have ‘psychological problems’ because they are easier to deceive. But former cult recruiters say their ideal candidates were actually good-natured, service-minded, and sharp.” pg 96, ebook

It was rather scary thinking about how anyone might become prey to a cultish organization.

It was also eye-opening to see how common place this is as Montell talks about so many different organizations. There’s fitness groups, multi-level marketing groups, spiritual and new age groups, as well as more religious organizations. Once you know the tricks of language that are commonly used, you see this type of manipulation almost everywhere.

“A cult is like porn: You know it when you hear it.” pg 219, ebook

I picked up this read for my local book club- it wasn’t something that I would have necessarily chosen on my own. There’s plenty to talk about in here, from the different groups to the various types of language techniques they use.

After awhile, all of Montell’s examples begin to feel repetitive, which wasn’t that fun to read. Still, I’d recommend this book if you’re interested in cults or cultish language.

Thanks for reading!

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