Mass Psychosis: How an Entire Population Becomes MENTALLY ILL

 

The video is a brief overview of the concept of mass psychosis, which is defined as a collective mental disorder that affects a large group of people. It explores the causes and symptoms of this phenomenon, as well as its potential consequences. The video also discusses how mass psychosis can be prevented and treated. The animation style used in the video is simple yet effective, making it easy to understand and follow along with the information presented. Overall, this video provides an informative introduction to the topic of mass psychosis and is an excellent resource for those looking to learn more about this phenomenon.

  • “The masses have never thirsted after truth. They turn aside from evidence that is not to their taste, preferring to deify error, if error seduce them. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.â€

    —Gustave Le Bon, The Crowd

Jung believed that the only way to prevent such a psychic epidemic was to develop a better understanding of our own psyches and how they interact with the world around us. He argued that we must learn to recognize and accept our own inner darkness, as well as the darkness of others, in order to create a more balanced society. We must also strive to understand and accept our differences, rather than trying to suppress them or deny their existence. Only by doing so can we hope to create a more harmonious civilization.

  • “Indeed, it is becoming ever more obvious†he writes “that it is not famine, not earthquakes, not microbes, not cancer but man himself who is man’s greatest danger to man, for the simple reason that there is no adequate protection against psychic epidemics, which are infinitely more devastating than the worst of natural catastrophes.â€

    —Carl Jung, The Symbolic Life

The witch hunts were fueled by fear and paranoia, as people believed that witches were responsible for all the misfortunes of their communities. This fear was further exacerbated by the spread of rumors and false information. As a result, many innocent people were accused of witchcraft and put to death.

The rise of totalitarianism in the 20th century is another example of mass psychosis. Totalitarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia used propaganda to manipulate public opinion and create an atmosphere of fear and paranoia. People were encouraged to report on each other, creating a climate of suspicion and mistrust. This led to widespread persecution, violence, and even genocide.

Mass psychoses can have devastating consequences for society, leading to violence, oppression, and even genocide. It is important to recognize the signs of mass psychosis so that we can prevent it from happening again in the future.

  • “In some Swiss villages,†writes Frances Hill “there were scarcely any women left alive after the frenzy had finally burned itself out.â€

    —Frances Hill, A Delusion of Satan

Mass psychoses can lead to a breakdown of social order, as people become more irrational and unpredictable. This can lead to violence, riots, and other forms of civil unrest. It can also lead to the spread of dangerous ideologies and beliefs that can have long-term consequences for society. In extreme cases, mass psychoses can even lead to genocide or other forms of mass destruction.

This lack of awareness can lead to a dangerous situation, as the collective delusions become more entrenched and difficult to challenge. It can also lead to a situation in which those who are aware of the mass psychosis are unable to effectively communicate their understanding to others, leading to further entrenchment of the delusion. In order for a mass psychosis to be overcome, it is essential that those who are aware of it find ways to communicate their understanding in an effective manner.

The relief sought by an individual in a state of panic can come in many forms, such as seeking comfort from friends or family, engaging in activities that provide distraction, or even turning to religion. However, when the individual is unable to find relief and the negative emotions become overwhelming, they may turn to more extreme measures such as self-harm or suicide. In some cases, these extreme measures can lead to a mass psychosis if enough individuals are affected by the same negative emotions. This can be seen in cases of mass hysteria where large groups of people become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety and begin exhibiting similar behaviors.

In conclusion, a mass psychosis is caused by a flood of negative emotions that drive an individual into a state of panic and desperation. When this desperation leads to extreme measures such as self-harm or suicide it can spread to other individuals who are also feeling overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. This can result in a mass psychosis where large groups of people exhibit similar behaviors due to their shared emotional distress.

1. A person experiences a traumatic event or series of events that overwhelms their capacity to cope.
2. The person begins to experience a sense of unreality, as if the world is not real and they are living in a dream-like state.
3. The person begins to experience feelings of panic and anxiety, which can lead to paranoia and delusions.
4. The person’s thoughts become disorganized and confused, leading to further feelings of panic and confusion.
5. Eventually, the person may enter into a psychotic break, where reality and fantasy blend together in an attempt to make sense of the overwhelming situation.

  • firstly there is “[the] phase of panic –when the patient starts to perceive things in a different way, is frightened on account of it, appears confused, and does not know how to explain “the strange things that are happening.â€

    —Interpretation of Schizophrenia

The insight gained from this phase of psychotic insight is often used to construct a delusional system, which is a set of beliefs and ideas that the individual uses to explain their experiences. This delusional system can be used to make sense of the world and provide a sense of security in an otherwise chaotic and unpredictable environment. The individual may also use it as a way to cope with their distress by creating an alternate reality where they feel safe and in control. However, this delusional system can become rigid and inflexible, leading to further isolation from reality and potential harm.

a form of mass psychosis in which a population is driven into a state of fear and paranoia by an oppressive regime that seeks to control every aspect of their lives. This type of mass psychosis can lead to the destruction of civil liberties, the suppression of dissent, and the erosion of basic human rights.

  • “Totalitarianism†writes Arthur Versluis “is the modern phenomenon of total centralized state power coupled with the obliteration of individual human rights: in the totalized state, there are those in power, and there the objectified masses, the victims.† 

    —Arthur Versluis, The New Inquisitions

“The psychological effects of living in a totalitarian society are devastating. People become apathetic, fearful, and unable to think for themselves. They become passive and obedient to the dictates of the rulers, and their sense of self-worth is diminished. They lose their capacity for independent thought and action, becoming mere cogs in the machinery of the state.”

  • “…there is in fact much that is comparable between the strange reactions of the citizens of [totalitarianism] and their culture as a whole on the one hand and the reactions of the… sick schizophrenic on the other.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

Under totalitarianism, the social transformation is characterized by a complete restructuring of society. The government takes control of all aspects of life, including the economy, education, media, and culture. It also seeks to control people’s thoughts and beliefs through censorship and propaganda. People are expected to conform to the state’s ideology and obey its laws without question. Dissent is not tolerated and those who challenge the status quo are often punished severely. This creates an atmosphere of fear and conformity that stifles creativity and innovation.  Â

The effects of this social transformation can be devastating for individuals as well as for society as a whole. People become isolated from one another, unable to express their true feelings or opinions without fear of retribution. They become apathetic towards politics and public affairs, leading to a lack of civic engagement. In addition, economic growth is stifled due to the government’s heavy-handed control over resources and production. Ultimately, totalitarianism leads to a society where freedom is suppressed in favor of obedience and conformity.

“Menticide is the killing of the mind, not by physical means but by psychological means. It is a process of destroying the mental integrity and freedom of an individual or group.â€

The primary goal of menticide is to create a sense of fear and obedience in the population, which can be accomplished through various tactics such as censorship, propaganda, surveillance, and intimidation. These tactics are used to control what people think and how they behave, thus creating a culture of conformity and submission to authority. Additionally, menticide can also involve the use of physical force or torture in order to break down an individual’s will and make them more compliant with the ruling elite’s wishes. Ultimately, menticide is an effective tool for totalitarian regimes to maintain their power over their citizens by controlling their thoughts and behavior.

  • “Menticide is an old crime against the human mind and spirit but systematized anew. It is an organized system of psychological intervention and judicial perversion through which a [ruling class] can imprint [their] own opportunistic thoughts upon the minds of those [they] plan to use and destroy.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

“The technique of terror is to create a wave of fear, followed by a period of calm, then another wave of fear, and so on. This creates an atmosphere in which the population is constantly on edge and can be easily manipulated.”

This process can be further augmented by the use of propaganda and other forms of psychological manipulation to create an environment where people are more likely to accept false information as true. This could include spreading rumors or false stories about certain individuals or groups, creating a sense of paranoia and distrust among the population, or using media outlets to spread lies and misinformation. Once this atmosphere has been created, it becomes easier for those in power to manipulate the population into believing whatever they want them to believe.

  • “Each wave of terrorizing… creates its effects more easily –after a breathing spell– than the one that preceded it because people are still disturbed by their previous experience. Morality becomes lower and lower, and the psychological effects of each new propaganda campaign become stronger; it reaches a public already softened up.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

“The confusion of the masses is a prerequisite for the success of any totalitarian regime. The more confused people are, the less capable they are to think and act rationally and independently. Confusion is a form of mental paralysis which makes it easier for the dictator to impose his will upon them.”

  • “Logic can be met with logic, while illogic cannot—it confuses those who think straight. The Big Lie and monotonously repeated nonsense have more emotional appeal … than logic and reason. While the [people are] still searching for a reasonable counter-argument to the first lie, the totalitarians can assault [them] with another.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

The combination of these technologies has enabled a level of control over the population that was previously unimaginable. Governments and corporations can now monitor, manipulate, and censor information on an unprecedented scale. They can track people’s movements, target them with tailored messages, and shape public opinion in ways that were not possible before. This has allowed for the rise of authoritarian regimes and the spread of dangerous ideologies such as fascism and racism. It has also enabled governments to crack down on dissenters and activists who challenge their power.

The implications of this are far-reaching and deeply concerning. The ability to control what people see, hear, think, and do is a powerful tool that can be used to oppress populations or further the interests of those in power. It is essential that we remain vigilant against these threats to our freedom and autonomy by advocating for transparency in how our data is used, pushing back against censorship, and protecting our right to privacy.

  • “Modern technology†explains Meerloo “teaches man to take for granted the world he is looking at; he takes no time to retreat and reflect. Technology lures him on, dropping him into its wheels and movements. No rest, no meditation, no reflection, no conversation – the senses are continually overloaded with stimuli. [Man] doesn’t learn to question his world anymore; the screen offers him answers-ready-made.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

“The isolated animal is more easily conditioned than the one living in a group. The same holds true for man. He can be more easily indoctrinated when he is cut off from his normal social contacts and deprived of the corrective influence of his friends.”

In this way, isolation can be used to increase the effectiveness of menticide and to create a totalitarian psychosis in which individuals are willing to accept the dictates of their rulers without question.

  • “Pavlov made another significant discovery: the conditioned reflex could be developed most easily in a quiet laboratory with a minimum of disturbing stimuli. Every trainer of animals knows this from his own experience; isolation and the patient repetition of stimuli are required to tame wild animals… The totalitarians have followed this rule. They know that they can condition their political victims most quickly if they are kept in isolation.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

The totalitarian psychosis is a state of mind in which the individual is completely subjugated to the will of the ruling elite. It is characterized by an inability to think critically, a lack of independent thought, and an acceptance of whatever the ruling party dictates as truth. The individual’s sense of self-worth and identity are replaced by a blind loyalty to the ruling party, and any dissent or criticism is met with swift punishment. In this way, the totalitarian psychosis serves as a tool for those in power to maintain control over their population.

The effects of this mental illness can be devastating for those who suffer from it. They become unable to make decisions for themselves, instead relying on the dictates of their leaders. They become unable to think independently or critically about their situation, instead accepting whatever they are told without question. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair as individuals feel powerless against the forces that have taken control over them.

The only way out of this mental prison is through education and awareness. People must be taught how to think critically and independently so that they can recognize when they are being manipulated by those in power. They must also be taught how to stand up for themselves and fight back against oppressive regimes that seek to take away their freedom and autonomy. Only then can individuals break free from the clutches of totalitarianism and reclaim their right to self-determination.

  • “…the totalitarian systems of the 20th century represent a kind of collective psychosis,†writes the medical doctor Joost Meerloo. “Whether gradually or suddenly, reason and common human decency are no longer possible in such a system: there is only a pervasive atmosphere of terror, and a projection of “the enemy,†imagined to be “in our midst.†Thus society turns on itself, urged on by the ruling authorities.â€Â

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

The answer to these questions lies in the power of education and awareness. By educating people about the dangers of totalitarianism, and by raising awareness of its effects, it is possible to prevent a society from slipping into this form of rule. Education should focus on teaching people about the importance of democracy, freedom, and human rights. It should also emphasize the need for critical thinking and independent thought. Additionally, education should provide citizens with the skills needed to recognize when their government is becoming oppressive or authoritarian.

In addition to education, civil society organizations can play an important role in preventing totalitarianism by advocating for democratic values and human rights. These organizations can work to ensure that governments are held accountable for their actions and that citizens have access to information about their rights and freedoms. They can also help create a culture of dissent where citizens feel empowered to speak out against oppressive policies or practices.

Finally, it is important for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and be willing to stand up against injustice when they see it occurring around them. This could involve speaking out against oppressive policies or practices, joining protests or demonstrations, or simply refusing to comply with unjust laws or regulations. By taking action in this way, individuals can help create a more just society that is free from totalitarianism.

1. Develop a strong sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility.
2. Cultivate an attitude of openness and curiosity towards the world around you.
3. Practice mindfulness and meditation to help cultivate inner peace and clarity.
4. Speak out against injustice, oppression, and hatred in all its forms.
5. Support organizations that are working to create positive change in the world.
6. Educate yourself on the issues facing our society today, and how they can be addressed through collective action.
7. Reach out to those who are struggling with mental health issues, offering support and understanding without judgement or stigma.
8. Connect with others who share your values, creating a network of like-minded individuals who can work together for positive change in the world.

  • “It is not for nothing that our age cries out for the redeemer personality, for the one who can emancipate himself from the grip of the collective [psychosis] and save at least his own soul, who lights a beacon of hope for others, proclaiming that here is at least one man who has succeeded in extricating himself from the fatal identity with the group psyche.â€

    —Carl Jung, Civilization in Transition

“Humour is a powerful weapon against the totalitarian rulers. It can be used to ridicule their pretensions, to expose their lies and to make them ridiculous in the eyes of the people.” Finally, it is important to remember that the power of the people is greater than that of any one individual or group and so collective action should be taken whenever possible. This could include protests, boycotts, strikes and other forms of civil disobedience.

  • “We must learn to treat the demagogue and aspirant dictators in our midst… with the weapon of ridicule. The demagogue himself is almost incapable of humor of any sort, and if we treat him with humor, he will begin to collapse.â€

    —Joost Meerloo, The Rape of the Mind

“The only real power [in a totalitarian society] is the power of the powerless: that is, the ability to refuse to cooperate with the system and to create parallel structures which allow people to live within the truth.”

Havel’s tactic of creating parallel structures has been used in other oppressive societies, such as apartheid South Africa. In this case, it was used by activists to create alternative education systems, health care systems, and economic networks that were outside of government control. These parallel structures allowed people to access resources and services that were otherwise denied them by the oppressive regime.

  • “…what else are parallel structures than an area where a different life can be lived, a life that is in harmony with its own aims and which in turn structures itself in harmony with those aims… what else are those initial attempts at social self-organization than the efforts of a certain part of society…to rid itself of the self-sustaining aspects of totalitarianism and, thus, to extricate itself radically from its involvement in the… totalitarian system?â€

    —Vaclav Havel, Power of the Powerless

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.”

  • “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph.â€

    —Thomas Paine, The American Crisis