Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell — Book Review

Superb Observations about the Spectrum of Beliefs from Clubs to Cults

Like Amanda Montell, I’m fascinated by cults. If a documentary about cults exists, I’ll be watching. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I simply can’t imagine believing the things people in cults believe. How can people appear so ordinary, but talk of aliens among us, then kill themselves because a leader said to?

But I don’t want to come off too critical of cultists, because that’s what makes this book great. Its tone is non-judgmental. Even better, it’s understanding and empathetic.

Montell reminds readers that we’re all vulnerable. After basic nourishment, we humans have a need for love, family, and belonging. For many of us, we’re lucky enough to have those so spurning a group that promises them is easy. But someone without those necessities can be easy prey.

Further, Montell reminds us that cults exist on spectrums of belief, ritual, and commitment. That includes religions, groups, clubs, and societies. They all intersect in some ways and can be positive or negative. She notes often that the best way to measure the difference between a fun club and a cult is by “exit costs.”