The Big Lie
It seems that Mein Kampf is increasingly required reading for many groups
“All this was inspired by the principle—which is quite true within itself—that in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods.
It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying.”
- Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf
Just as I believe political ideologues actively work to enslave the minds of people while governments and corporations work to enslave their bodies (and money), so it is that I also believe that all of these malicious entities are actively using “The Big Lie” to accomplish their aims.
Whether it is “peaceful protestors", “religions of peace”, corporations that “do no evil” or government programs intended to “serve the people”, it should be obvious that those who try hardest to convince you of “x”, are most likely to be those who are in reality promoting and doing anti ”x”. Corruption and lying have become so pervasive that they are (or should be) the default expectation. Someone who actually does what they say and says what they do is the curious anomaly.
To protect myself from this manipulation, I have to actively be on guard to unsubstantiated claims, and even when substantiated, verify the sources myself. Even more than that, using the heuristic of past behavior helps me to filter claims and news so that I don’t even bother to read and judge statements from those who have repeatedly demonstrated that they lack any regard for the truth. To constantly keep “an open mind” to the views of those who have shown themselves to be habitual liars is to live my life as Charlie Brown, constantly being set up to fall in the attempt to kick the football. Even more so, it wastes my time verifying their false claims that could be better spent in determining truth on my own.
It used to be that children were raised to believe what others say and their good intent. They are told lying to others is a bad thing that they should not do; therefore, they believe that others will not do it to them. The consequence is that generations have been raised to be gullible patsies, primed for manipulation by politicians, religious hucksters, and corporations, vastly aided by the media and the internet.
It is only after painful experience, either as a member of these groups or a victim, that some will open their eyes to the lies that are being spread and the harm that is being done. As a Stoic, my skepticism is my sword and shield to defend my mind against the manipulations of others.