> “We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of…who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind, who harness old social forces and contrive new ways to bind and guide the world.” > — Edward Bernays, Propaganda

The contemporary social and political environment prompts reflection on Edward Bernays' views regarding the impact of collective allegiance to prevailing ideologies, resulting in a pronounced US-THEM dichotomy. Leveraging his status as Sigmund Freud’s nephew, Bernays became renowned as the pioneer of public relations, adeptly exploiting the psychological underpinnings of propaganda. His approach to influencing group thought hinged on the notion that, “if you are not for us, you are against us.”

This prevailing mindset is evident in modern identity politics, political divisions, activist movements, political correctness, and cancel culture. The emergence of competitive animosity and self-righteous outrage has replaced the potential for rational discussions, while group shaming is celebrated as a virtuous act.

This concerning trend raises the question of whether humanity is predisposed to uncritically adhere to imposed directives rather than thoughtfully assess the principles guiding our interactions. Our inherent desire for belonging seems to drive us to follow charismatic figures and cultural icons, often at the expense of our individuality and critical reasoning. Consequently, our moral compass—what Freud termed the superego—becomes obscured by the collective's values.

This leads to a troubling inquiry: Are we ensnared in a reactionary belief framework that asserts:

> We are merely passive victims of our circumstances.

> Individual choice is a relic of the past.

> Being held accountable is a form of victimization.

> It is oppressive to expect a context of cause and effect when assigning responsibility.

To understand our current state and the broader ramifications these beliefs have on moral development and ethical behavior, it is essential to explore how personal values and individual conscience are shaped by the collective. This involves examining the concept of the "Group Mind" and how the quest for power and control can corrupt our highest ethical ideals.

Gustave Le Bon, a French sociologist, introduced the term "Group Mind" to illustrate how a singular collective consciousness emerges within crowds. He elucidated how individual accountability, inclinations, and decisions are overshadowed by the collective's desires, leading to a suppression of personal critical thought.

Le Bon explained that the group mind, devoid of critical reasoning, is easily susceptible to indoctrination and suggestions from influential leaders.

Expanding upon Le Bon’s insights, Sigmund Freud discussed the dynamics of group psychology in his work, Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego. Freud posited that the emotional experiences tied to power and security are only attainable within a group context, making the allure of collective identity particularly strong as it offers a sense of strength unattainable in solitude.

Bernays skillfully tapped into the collective instinct for tribal belonging, developing a psychological framework for "engineering consent" that revolutionized marketing strategies. By invoking deep-seated memories of the 'primal horde' along with shared aspirations and fears, he crafted branding and advertising techniques that resonated with the collective unconscious, establishing narratives that captivate and manipulate. Notably, Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda minister for the Third Reich, drew from Bernays' writings to create a cult of personality around the Fuhrer.

Applying these psychological principles to contemporary ideologies reveals how elite corporate media exploits the subconscious desires and inclinations of the masses.

Through daily engagement with identity markers such as race, class, gender, faith, nationality, and political stance, interest groups and corporate media shape the collective mindset. Through carefully orchestrated campaigns that promote imperialist ideologies, state-sanctioned violence, and unquestionable authority, the group mind is continuously molded.

As a result, we become distracted by prescribed affiliations, oblivious to the underlying corporate interests masked as humanitarian efforts. Efforts to think independently, guided by personal moral standards or even factual evidence, are often met with hostility.

The architects behind the group mind are part of an influential superclass—global elites who dictate foreign policy, govern corporations, and control financial and media landscapes. Their influence significantly impacts not only the collective mindset but also moral standards.

As 19th-century British historian Lord Acton aptly noted, “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This suggests that as power escalates, so too does the erosion of moral integrity.

Consequently, the moral capacity of the populace—beyond just that of leaders—determines whether we adhere to personal ethical principles and rational thought, regardless of social pressures or the urge to conform. Dr. Lawrence Kohlberg referred to this as the post-conventional stage of moral development. While moral actions do not always necessitate emotional involvement or critical thinking, it's clear that mere conformity does not represent the pinnacle of morality.

This advanced level of moral reasoning and judgment, as described by Kohlberg, can develop as individuals mature and become more self-aware, though achieving this state is uncommon. Philosopher Immanuel Kant termed this state of moral evolution the Categorical Imperative, which is based on the principle of autonomous will. Reaching this elevated moral maturity may entail confronting the risks of social ostracism and familial disapproval, which can incite feelings of guilt, shame, and survival anxiety. Conversely, conforming to societal norms, regardless of empathetic motivations, ensures a secure position within the social fabric.

The complexities of morality are underscored by the historical truth that all noble ideologies eventually succumb to corruption. As Lord Acton pointed out, the valiant causes once championed by passionate idealists are inevitably tainted by greed and power. Psychiatrist Andrzej ?obaczewski elucidates how mainstream moral values are warped by psychopathic leaders, driven by collective biases. Our innate tendency to maintain psychological balance and illusions of safety compels reliance on intricate defenses to dismiss unsettling truths. This phenomenon is observable globally, where objective realities are overshadowed by misleading ideologies. To avoid marginalization, the collective mind often succumbs to normative beliefs.

?obaczewski further argues that malevolent motives are concealed beneath a veneer of humanitarian ideology. When followers yield to pathological influence, they lose their critical faculties, becoming unable to differentiate between normal human behavior and pathological actions. Consequently, oppressive tactics driven by leaders' self-serving quests for power may be justified under the guise of "the end justifies the means."

The phenomenon of celebrity worship exemplifies how the collective desire to escape the anxieties and struggles of existence fuels the exaltation of prominent figures. Instead of forming our own opinions, we mythologize these individuals, attributing to them extraordinary wisdom and insight, despite their capabilities being on par with the average person.

In summary, we are inundated with fabricated narratives through widespread deception campaigns, leading us to adapt and conform. The peril of abdicating personal accountability by uncritically accepting collective narratives is the emergence of blind obedience born from denial. When psychic energy is dedicated to denying what is taboo, potentially beneficial insights are obscured, and controversial perspectives are suppressed. This leads to an Orwellian distortion of language and thought, with artistic expression suffering as condemnation is directed at those labeled as inherently "bad," often based on gender, class, or race.

> “When truth is buried underground it grows, it chokes, it gathers such an explosive force that on the day it bursts out, it blows up everything with it.” > — Émile Zola

Rather than detailing the myriad micro-aggressions that echo satire, we can conclude that, as with many aspects of life, these trends present a troubling paradox that warrants further exploration. While we remain preoccupied with the distractions presented as noble and essential, we overlook more pressing issues affecting ourselves and our world, such as perpetual proxy conflicts, ecological collapse, and widespread hunger.

Most crucially, we must recognize that our freedom to choose is inherently limited by our awareness of those constraints.

As Dr. Carl Jung wisely articulated, > “There is no morality, no moral decision, without freedom. There is only morality when you can choose, and you cannot choose if you are forced.”

Our freedom is directly tied to our ability to practice self-governance. Otherwise, we are driven by fears that lead us to relinquish independent thought, putting us at risk of blindly subscribing to groupthink narratives. History has repeatedly illustrated the perilous path this can create.