The Tools of the Trade
by Bobby Garner
July 8, 2003
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Response to this article
25 Rules of Disinformation and 8 Traits of The Disinformationalist
Tertullian: "Credo, quia impossibile"-"I believe it because it is impossible"
If it's impossible, it cannot exist. If it doesn't exist it cannot be known, therefore if accepted at all, it can only be believed. Such believer's have succombed to the True-believer syndrome
"When Jesus Christ said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free," He was referring to those persons possessed by the spirit of the one, true God, YHVH; not the spirit of Janus, the god for whom the revelation of the truth is but an arcane tool for the enslavement of mind and spirit. This is the essence of the Revelation of the Method of human alchemy." ~ Michael A. Hoffman II, A Cryptogram From The Cryptocracy
Apparently, God gave Adam a pure language which he taught to Eve, and it was the de facto universal standard for communication. It's effectiveness is attested to by the fact that God deemed it necessary to confuse that language when Nimrod "a mighty hunter" who opposed God by establishing his own kingdoms tried to construct what became known as the "Tower of Babel". (Genesis 11:4) "And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel" (Genesis 10:9,10) The many different languages which sprang from that event did not originate with God, but were devised by men who wished to find a way to continue their own agendas. - "Every Man's Truth Is His Own"
More precisely, God saw that all his creative work was "very good" (Genesis 1:31), therefore Adam lived in an environment where he was free to develop the perfect language. Such was not the case after the "confusion" at Babel. God confused the language. He did not give them new and different languages. "Come, let Us go down and confuse their language so that they cannot understand one another's speech." (Genesis 11:7)
I submit that the confusion was introduced by a method consistent with a pre-existing universal principle put in place at the creation. A natural process conforming to man's God given ability of free choice. That method which was first introduced at Babel, has been the prevailing method in common usage to the present day. Perhaps beginning with the present drive toward one world government which began in earnest sometime around the early 20th century, for the first time since that confusion first occurred, we now have something very similar happening again. A current living example of the methods which may be employed to confuse ones understanding of the spoken and written word.
All my arguments regarding the subject of deception have been based upon the foregoing line of reasoning. Among those most significant arguments are:
- Language in current usage, spoken or written is the worst enemy of truth.[*]
- Persuasion is a useful social tool, but worthless for propagating truth.[*]
- Belief is the first product of deception.[*]
- Ignorance is the second supported only by the induced belief.
- Accurate knowledge cannot be passed directly from one to other individuals.[*]
- Truth is not contained in the words of a spoken or written language, but is known only through mental cognition.
- Deception likewise, is a product of the individual mind, therefore, it has no victim, only willing complices.
So, language is Satan's best tool primarily designed to suit his purpose which is to mislead the entire world (Revelation 12:9). We have merely attempted to adapt it to a good purpose, which can be successful only when it is understood that everyone concerned must use the same definitions, and provided that information be presented as clearly and straight forward as possible. Deception is accomplished through the use of words in such a way that they are misunderstood. The best deceivers therefore always have safe ground to fall back on in the event they are questioned. It was only a "misunderstanding" you see. It was no accident of chance that the Genesis account of Satan characterizes him as the "most cautious" of all creatures. Careful forethought, with great care and attention to the smallest detail are prime requisites for any would be deceiver. Therefore, let the hearer beware. It is ultimately the responsibility of the audience to know the subject being discussed. This knowledge must be discovered by each individual through his own effort.
In order for Satan to mislead the whole world, he needs leaders in the style of rebellious Nimrod who share the same or similar attributes. Cindy-Lou Dale has provided us with a list of the requisite characteristics of a leader, which in my opinion is fully compatible with one who would deceive, or in fact depends on it almost to the exclusion of the ability to be truthful. Such have been the world rulers since Nimrod. But, that does not mean that we are powerless under their yoke. Hitler once said, "How fortunate for leaders, that the masses do not think." Clear thinking ability comes only from accurate knowledge and the wisdom and understanding which inheres from it. When we contrast an accurate understanding of knowledge and faith against ignorance and belief, the choice is an easy one for those with an honest heart, and ultimately, they will be the only ones that matter.
The next step after becoming aware of our vulnerability to deception, is to understand the methods employed in the clever use of language. This requires that we be familiar with the tools of the trade, or the bag of tricks. For that we need to consider some definitions. Unfortunately, There are many ways each of these tools may be used, and for that reason, we can never relax. Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Addition, will be used as the authority here, but you are encouraged to use whatever source that may be available. First we will consider the word deception and follow the leads provided. Study these words, and think of how you have seen them used.
Note: You may doubleclick on any word on any page of this website to get an immediate definition, and easy access to other valuable in context information. I recommend using it liberally.
DECEPTION we find; the act of deceiving, the fact or condition of being deceived, or, something that deceives, TRICK. Synonyms, DECEPTION, FRAUD, DOUBLE-DEALING, SUBTERFUGE and TRICKERY mean the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives. DECEPTION may or may not imply blame worthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource [magicians are masters of deception]. FRAUD always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice. DOUBLE-DEALING suggest treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude. SUBTERFUGE suggests adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end. TRICKERY implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.
FRAUD; intentional perversion of truth in order to induce another to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right.
DOUBLE-DEALING; action contradictory to a professed attitude. DUPLICITY.
SUBTERFUGE; deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade.
TRICKERY; the practice of crafty underhanded ingenuity to deceive or cheat.
DUPLICITY; contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action. Especially the belying of ones true intentions by deceptive words or action.
Since the synonyms of deception mean the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives, We need to take a look at the word deceive.
DECEIVE ; to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid, to practice deceit, to give a false impression. Synonyms, DECEIVE, MISLEAD, DELUDE, BEGUILE mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness. DECEIVE implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. MISLEAD implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional [I was mislead by the confusing sign]. DELUDE implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. BEGUILE stresses the use of charm or persuasion in deceiving [was beguiled by false promises].
MISLEAD; to lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit.
DELUDE; to mislead the mind or judgment of
BEGUILE; to lead by deception.
Since underhandedness is involved, we will follow that lead.
UNDERHAND; in a clandestine manner, in a quite or unobtrusive manner. Done so as to evade notice.
UNDERHANDED; marked by secrecy, chicanery, and deception, not above board.
CHICANERY; deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry.
SOPHISTRY; subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation.
LIE verb lied, lying; 1: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive 2: to create a false or misleading impression : to bring about by telling lies. Synonyms LIE, PREVARICATE, EQUIVOCATE, PALTER, FIB mean to tell an untruth. LIE is the blunt term imputing dishonesty. PREVARICATE softens the bluntness of LIE by implying quibbling or confusing the issue. EQUIVOCATE implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another. PALTER implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises. FIB applies to the telling of a trivial untruth [fibbed about the price of the new suit]
PREVARICATE; to deviate from the truth : EQUIVOCATE
EQUIVOCATE; 1: to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive 2: to avoid committing oneself in what one says.
PALTER; to act insincerely or deceitfully : EQUIVOCATE
FIB; a trivial or childish lie.
PLOT; a secret plan for accomplishing an evil or unlawful end. Synonyms PLOT, INTRIGUE, MACHINATIONS, CONSPIRACY, CABAL mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. PLOT implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. INTRIGUE suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity. MACHINATIONS; implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means. CONSPIRACY implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery. CABAL typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.
PROPAGANDA; the spreading of ideas, information or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person.
RHETORIC; The art of speaking or writing effectively as in: the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion: skill in the effective use of speech.
ILLUSION; 1 a: the action of deceiving b(1): the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled. (2): an instance of such deception 2 a (1): a misleading image presented to the vision. (2): something that misleads intellectually b (1): perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misrepresentation of its actual nature.We will be looking at more words, and in time provide a relevant example of how each one may be used. Then finally we will get into some in depth analysis. We can never feel comfortable with our knowledge of this material, so we need to keep a constant vigil, always alert.
Purpose of the Tools — So, there we have the definitions of some of the words closely associated with deception. It is readily apparent, that this is a very dark area. Now that we know the function of the tools, that knowledge will not help us unless we know exactly what it is we must defend. Let us see exactly what those tools will be applied against. We already have a pretty good idea, but to clarify it so that there is no mistake about it, we will need to define some additional words. As we have already learned, truth is the main obstacle from the deceivers point of view. It must be eliminated, at least in the mind of the targeted victim, and replaced by something else, something more amenable to the purposes of the deceiver. So, our understanding of the definition of truth will be very important.
TRUTH; 1 b: sincerity in action, character, and utterance 2 a: (1) the state of being the case: FACT (2): the body of real things, events, and facts: ACTUALITY (3): a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality. b: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true c: the body of true statements and propositions. 3 a: the property of being in accord with fact or reality. b: TRUE c: fidelity to an original or to a standard.
FACT; 1: a thing done. 3: the quality of being actual. 4 a: something that has actual existence. b: an actual occurrence. 5: a piece of information presented as having objective reality.
ACTUALITY; 1: the quality or state of being actual 2: something that is actual : FACT, REALITY
TRUE; 2 a (1): being in accordance with the actual state of affairs (2): conformable to an essential reality. (3): fully realized or fulfilled. b: IDEAL, ESSENTIAL c: being that which is the case rather than what is manifest or assumed.
REAL; 1: of or relating to fixed, permanent, or immovable things 2 a: not artificial, illusory, or apparent : GENUINE : being precisely what the name implies (3): existing as a physical entity and having properties that deviate from an ideal, law, or standard
REALITY; 1: the quality or state of being real 2 a (1): a real event, entity, or state of affairs (2) : the totality of real things and events b: something that is neither derivative or dependent but exists necessarily - in reality : in actual fact
IDEAL; adj. 1. existing as an archtypical idea. 2. a: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only. b: conforming exactly to an ideal, law or standard: PERFECT.
IDEAL; noun 1. a stasndard of perfection, beauty or excellence.
ESSENTIAL; 1: of, relating to, or constituting essence :INHERENT 2: of the utmost importance : BASIC, INDISPENSABLE,
NECESSARY Synonyms ESSENTIAL, FUNDAMENTAL, VITAL, CARDINAL mean so important as to be indispensable. ESSENTIAL implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.
OBJECTIVE; 1 b: of, relating to, or being an object, phenomenon, or condition in the realm of sensible experience independent of individual thought and perceptible by all observers : having reality independent of the mind [objective reality]
GENUINE; 1 a: actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character b: actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author
FALSE; 1: not genuine 2 a: intentionally untrue b: adjusted or made so as to deceive c: intending or tending to mislead 3: not true
Methods of Application — Now that truth has been clearly defined, we can understand just what it is that the deceiver absolutely must destroy if he is to be successful at his deception. Remember the definition of the word deceive is to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid, so, the truth must be replaced with something false, or a lie. Now the truth cannot be changed, it is absolute, and the deceiver knows this. He is also well aware that it may be hidden from view, at least for a time, and that's all that is required. It is only necessary that the truth be obscured in such a way that the victim will not give it due consideration. The question remains. How are those tools applied against truth , and why are they so effective?
It should be obvious in view of the words just defined, that the target of deception is an intelligent human being which intelligence must be short-circuited or bypassed so as to render the victim temporarily ignorant of the truth bearing on the matter at hand, and, therefore, nearly helpless in defending himself (see definition of "deceive" ). Deception always serves the needs of the deceiver at the expense of the deceived. This does not mean, however, that deception takes place behind the back of the intended victim. It has become obvious that the targeted victim of deception must always be engaged as a participant in the process. This brings us to another extremely interesting word, complicity.
COMPLICITY; association with, or participation in or as if in, a wrongful act.
At once this seems to pose a contradiction. On the one hand, if the intended victim is aware and mindful that deception is about to take place, he would never allow it to continue. On the other hand he must be drawn into the process, which implies a certain amount of awareness. Failure to recognize, question and resolve the paradox is the path of least resistance and the one which the deceiver will lead you down. Successfully questioning and solving the apparent contradiction is the only effective line of defense against deception. Deceivers are highly skilled at causing you to bypass this necessary step.
We've mentioned duplicity, "contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action". This is similar to metaphor, but it differs in that the word, phrase or idea which is being substituted is never revealed. This allows the deceiver to employ familiar words which have an established meaning to you (what he wants you to believe), but he is in fact talking about something else entirely (the lie). Metaphor used in this way is never easy to recognize. So we must always look at what is presented, by statement or action, and understand that it's true meaning is probably something different from that presented.
METAPHOR; 1: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them ; broadly : figurative language.
The deceiver invokes complicity by appealing to some selfish motive or desire of his victim. Once the selfishness is brought to bear on the matter, the victim becomes complaisant and a willing complice.
COMPLAISANT; 1: marked by an inclination to please or oblige 2: tending to consent to others' wishes.
Once this point of complaisance is reached, it is a very short step to complete deception. All that remains to be done is for the target to make that final move which places him exactly in the position which will serve the interest of the deceiver, at the expense of the target. In the case of Eve in the Garden of Eden, it was the act of reaching out, taking and eating of the forbidden fruit. In this classic example, both deceiver and deceived are condemned to die, so neither one is without fault. There is no court of appeal in which Eve may claim that she was a victim of deception. True, she did not die because she was deceived. She died because she ate of the forbidden fruit, but it was the deception which brought her to that point, and the deception was not complete until she ate.
Deceivers love to play with words in deploying their craft. The redefinition of key words in current usage is done for precisely that reason. This is very deep material, and we need to become familiar with it because you can be sure that the one who wishes to deceive you knows it very well.
"A fool once stumbled upon the truth, but managed to pick himself up and carry on as if nothing happened". — Unknown Author
Example Deception
Question: What does it mean to be created in the image of God?
Reply: We are made in the "image" like a refection in a mirror.
Is that reflection real or an image and illusory version of the Real?
...
Further comments seek to establish as fact that objective reality is only an illusion.
Here is the proper response:
To begin, the words 'image' and 'illusion' are not synonyms as we shall see, and
an "Illusory version of the Real" is produced only by a magician for the purpose of deceiving.
First some definitions from Merriam Webster:
TRUTH;
1 b: sincerity in action, character, and utterance 2 a: (1) the state
of being the case: FACT (2): the body of real things, events, and
facts: ACTUALITY (3): a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality.
b: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true c:
the body of true statements and propositions. 3 a: the property of
being in accord with fact or reality. b: TRUE c: fidelity to an
original or to a standard.
FACT; 1: a thing done. 3: the quality of being actual. 4 a:
something
that has actual existence. b: an actual occurrence. 5: a piece of
information presented as having objective reality.
ACTUALITY; 1: the quality or state of being actual 2:
something that is actual : FACT, REALITY
TRUE; 2 a (1): being in accordance with the actual state of
affairs (2): conformable to an essential reality. (3): fully realized
or fulfilled. b: IDEAL, ESSENTIAL c: being that which is the case
rather than what is manifest or assumed.
REAL; 1: of or relating to fixed, permanent, or immovable
things 2 a: not artificial, illusory, or apparent : GENUINE : being
precisely what the name implies (3): existing as a physical entity and
having properties that deviate from an ideal, law, or standard
REALITY; 1: the quality or state of being real 2 a (1): a
real
event, entity, or state of affairs (2) : the totality of real things
and events b: something that is neither derivative or dependent but
exists necessarily - in reality : in actual fact
IDEAL; adj. 1. existing as an archtypical idea. 2. a:
existing
as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only. b: conforming
exactly to an ideal, law or standard: PERFECT.
IDEAL; noun 1. a standard of perfection, beauty or
excellence.
ESSENTIAL; 1: of, relating to, or constituting essence
:INHERENT 2: of the utmost importance : BASIC, INDISPENSABLE,
NECESSARY
Synonyms ESSENTIAL, FUNDAMENTAL, VITAL, CARDINAL mean so important as
to be indispensable. ESSENTIAL implies belonging to the very nature of
a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the
thing itself or its character.
OBJECTIVE; 1 b: of, relating to, or being an object,
phenomenon, or condition in the realm of sensible experience
independent of individual thought and perceptible by all observers :
having reality independent of the mind [objective reality]
GENUINE; 1 a: actually having the reputed or apparent
qualities
or character b: actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged
source or author
FALSE; 1: not genuine 2 a: intentionally untrue b: adjusted
or
made so as to deceive c: intending or tending to mislead 3: not true
STANDARD; syn STANDARD, CRITERION, GUAGE
YARDSTICK, TOUCHSTONE mean the means of determining what a thing should
be. STANDARD applies to any definite rule, principle or measure
established by authority.
ILLUSION; 1 a: the action of deceiving b(1): the state or
fact of being
intellectually deceived or misled. (2): an instance of such deception
IMAGE; 1: a reproduction or imitation of the form of a
person or thing; esp: an imatation in solid form.
God is the authentic original, IDEAL, ESSENTIAL, the TRUE,
the STANDARD, the PERFECT .
We are NOT God. We are the IMAGE of God.
Therefore Man is the GENUINE, the OBJECTIVE, the REAL, having
OBJECTIVE REALITY. Existing "in solid form", as "a physical entity and
having properties that deviate from an ideal, law, or
standard". We are not the standard, and we do not establish the
standard.
Your question alluding that we are an ILLUSION is misleading
and obviously FALSE; 1: not genuine 2 a: intentionally untrue b:
adjusted or
made so as to deceive c: intending or tending to mislead 3: not true.
ILLUSION expresses action, specifically "the action of deceiving".
while REAL expresses a state of existence, of being, specifically "not
artificial, illusory".
The New Age Movement intentionally redefines the meaning of words in
their vocabulary but never discloses that FACT to their audience. The
audience applies the standard language dictionary definitions to the
New Age words, so that the deceptive New Age message has a meaning
which is perceived by the audience to have a different meaning, one
which they will believed as TRUE. This is the method of embedding a lie
in the mind of the audience and having it perceived as true.
This is THE ILLUSION, DUPLICITY, TRICKERY, DECEPTION.
It is a LIE; 1: to make an untrue statement with intent to
deceive 2: to create a false or misleading impression : to bring about
by telling lies. Synonyms LIE, PREVARICATE, EQUIVOCATE, PALTER, FIB
mean to tell an untruth. LIE is the blunt term imputing dishonesty.
PREVARICATE softens the bluntness of LIE by implying quibbling or
confusing the issue. EQUIVOCATE implies using words having more than
one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another. PALTER
implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere
promises. FIB applies to the telling of a trivial untruth [fibbed about
the price of the new suit]
- Deceiver's
Toolkit
Probably no one has ever pointed this out with such clarity. In fact it
has never been so clear to me. So this is a test of your true
intentions.
Are you a "World Server"
advocating the New Age philosophy?
DECEIV[e]ing ; to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or
invalid, to practice deceit, to give a false impression?
Or, have you also been deceived?
It cannot be both.
The rest of your argument is superfluous until these fundamentals are
addressed.
The point of reference which destroys
the (apparent) contradiction ["boundlessness" causes "Free Will and
Destiny co exist"] is the bible statement that Man, (male and
female), was created in the image of God (Genesis 1), which means that
we have
the faculty of 'mind' which facilitates the exercise of free will.
Eve rejected free will for her own concoction of Destiny and
pre-destination which are blatant lies portraying God as a sadist who
created Man just for the sheer pleasure of seeing him fail at an
impossible task. Only Eve who believed the lie that she could be "as
God" could believe she had the authority to scheme up such a slanderous
idea and teach it to her children.
Further Study:
"The redefinition of words by their clever usage, must be the preoccupation of every bureaucrat, and politician in government, not only here, but around the globe." ~ Deconstruction
Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Our civilization is decadent and our language -- so the argument runs -- must inevitably share in the general collapse. It follows that any struggle against the abuse of language is a sentimental archaism, like preferring candles to electric light or hansom cabs to aeroplanes. Underneath this lies the half-conscious belief that language is a natural growth and not an instrument which we shape for our own purposes.
Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic cause... George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language," 1946
"Truth cannot live on a diet of secrets, withering within entangled lies. Freedom cannot live on a diet of lies, surrendering to the veil of oppression. The human spirit cannot live on a diet of oppression, becoming subservient in the end to the will of evil. God, as truth incarnate, will not long let stand a world devoted to such evil. Therefore, let us have the truth and freedom our spirits require... or let us die seeking these things, for without them, we shall surely and justly perish in an evil world." by H. Michael Sweeney ~ Fatal Rebirth
The author is a social psychologist and department head whose “ultimate interest is how people are manipulated to do things they never thought they’d do” (p. 4). He defines persuasion as “psychological dynamics that cause people to be changed in ways they wouldn’t if left alone” (4). Before writing the book he attended sales training seminars, “listened to hucksters selling everything from Tupperware and cosmetics to health and religion” and “took jobs selling cars and hawking cutlery door-to-door” (1). He tells us his research led to three conclusions: (1) we are more susceptible than we would like to believe; (2) the most effective persuaders are the least obvious; (3) rules of persuasion are similar regardless of the source. If the book succeeds it would have the advantage of a psychology professor who applies objective research to the subjective realities learned firsthand in the marketplace. As Shakespeare put it, that would be “a consummation devoutly to be wished.” - The Power of Persuasion: How We’re Bought and Sold, by Robert V. Levine
"The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country." -- Edward Bernays, Propaganda
The most basic thing we must remember when comparing propaganda to public relations is that both are selling something, whether it be a doctrine or an image, and both have objectives and goals along with strategies to get them there. One question remains, and it is why public relations today so vehemently wants to distance themselves from any relationship with propaganda? If we look at the definitions of both, there are elements of similarity:
- Harold Laswell: "Propaganda is the control of opinion by significant symbols, or, so to speak, more concretely and less accurately by stories, rumours, reports, pictures, and other forms of social communication. There is a need for a word which means the making of a deliberately one-sided statements to a mass audience. Let us choose 'propaganda' as such a word."
- Charles A. Siepmann:"Propaganda is organized persuasion."
- E.L. Bernays: "Propaganda is the consistent, enduring effort to create or shape events to influence the relations of the public to an enterprise, idea or group."
What is interesting is that E.L. Bernays is a P.R. giant who has spent most of this century in the field. He saw no harm in leading people to what he considered a desirable place. In 1955 he wrote a book called The Engineering of Consent based on the theory and practice of public relations. - Public Relations and Propaganda,
by Wendy Chadwick
"During the First World War, Bernays served as a foot soldier for the U. S. Committee on Public Information (CPI)-the vast American propaganda apparatus mobilized in 1917 to package, advertise and sell the war as one that would "Make the World Safe for Democracy." The CPI would become the mold in which marketing strategies for subsequent wars, on to the present, would be shaped." - PR!: A Social History of Spin, By Stuart Ewen
Edward L. Bernays, Quotes from "Propaganda":
- "If one is dealing with a democracy in which the herd and the group follow those whom they recognize as leaders, why should not the young men training for leadership be trained in its technique as well as in its idealism?"
- "Propaganda will never die out. Intelligent men must realize that propaganda is the modern instrument by which they can fight for productive ends and help to bring order out of chaos."
- "No serious sociologist any longer believes that the voice of the people expresses any divine or specially wise and lofty idea. The voice of the people expresses the mind of the people, and that mind is made up for it by the group leaders in whom it believes and by those persons who understand the manipulation of public opinion. It is composed of inherited prejudices and symbols and cliches and verbal formulas supplied to them by the leaders."
- "The systematic study of mass psychology revealed to students the potentialities of invisible government by society by manipulation of the motives which actuate man in the group. Trotter and Le Bon, who approached the subject in a scientific manner, and Graham Wallas, Walter Lippmann and others...established that the group has mental characteristics distinct from those of the individual, and is motivated by impulses and emotions which cannot be explained on the basis of what we know of individual psychology. So the question naturally arose: If we understand the mechanism and motives of the group mind, is it not possible to control and regiment the masses according to our will without their knowing it?"
- "Universal literacy was supposed to educate the common man to control his environment. Once he could read and write he would have a mind fit to rule. So ran the democratic doctrine. But instead of a mind, universal literacy has given him rubber stamps, rubber stamps linked with advertising slogans, with editorials, with published scientific data, with the trivialities of the tabloids and the platitudes of history, but quite innocent of original thought. Each man's rubber stamps are the duplicates of millions of others, so that when those millions are exposed to the same stimuli, all receive identical imprints. It may seem an exaggeration to say that the American public gets most of its ideas in this wholesale fashion. The mechanism by which ideas are disseminated on a large scale is propaganda, in the broad sense of an organized effort to spread a particular belief or doctrine."
- "We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of.
Newspeak Dictionary
Reader Comments:
Jordan Hill
tyciol@hotmail.com
Regarding the 'Tools of the Trade' article, I find I cannot agree that persuasion is the enemy of truth. Truth cannot be passed from one individual to another? Mental cognition is the only way? If that is so, then wouldn't it apply to even your own statements? I think, in truth, that truth is a combination. New concepts are conveyed through talk, given greater consideration through persuasion, but that yes, one should judge for oneself the validity based upon past experience rather than be a slave to persuasion. Even so, it does have a purpose, it is communication, right? Demonizing persuasion seems like it would just destroy communication and make it too easy to block out other people's opinions. It would make us closeminded.
Reply:
Hello Jordan,
It's always refreshing to find someone who is willing to express an
opinion on this subject. It may surprise you, but very few people are
able to think clearly enough or have the courage to offer a
counterpoint to my argument on this.
Perhaps you have noticed a certain subtlety about congregator.net.
Beginning with the banner image, the visitor is confronted with
contradictions. Things which defy logic and perhaps even reason itself,
and oh yes, beliefs and myths of all descriptions, including the one
about a relationship between truth and persuasive argument. One of the
things which you will find missing is a total lack of salesmanship.
This too is a contradiction of the accepted standard of communication.
And yes, it does apply even to my own statements, and here's how.
A contradiction always provokes a response. The most common one is to
seek a justification for its existence. Justification consistently uses
persuasive argument to explain why the contradiction exists and why it
must be accepted. Since I made no effort to persuade you, you provided
your own argument to justify your belief that persuasion serves a
useful end. You said, "New concepts are conveyed through talk, given
greater consideration through persuasion". Concepts like ideas are the
product only of an individual mind. They are not "conveyed" by any
means. Through the skillful use of language they may be provoked by the
spoken or written word. Persuasive argument shapes and molds them into
something which the hearer of the word will accept as his own and
believe. This is a replication process which one believer uses to pass
his beliefs on to other minds.
It is true that persuasion can replicate even truth in another mind.
However, the audience which expects to be persuaded, has no effective
defense for they will, by their own criterion, believe the most
persuasive argument and; Who is likely to be the most persuasive if not
the best liar? This is the pitfall which has trapped every well meaning
minister or politician, every revolution or reformation and every so
called "grassroots movement". Those who may be skillful enough to avoid
it are destroyed by other means, either by blackmail, character
assassination or by physical violence.
The second and correct response to contradictions is to seek their
solution, and destroy them. Then you will never again believe any
argument no matter how persuasive because now you have the knowledge of
truth concerning it.
Bobby
Comment On This Article
Bobby Garner is a researcher on the phenomenon of One-Worldism with an emphasis on the methods and techniques employed in it's attendant deception without which the New World Order cannot happen. He welcomes your comments and may be reached via E-mail. Visit his website at www.congregator.net This article may be posted in it's entirety on any website provided this statement remains attached.