Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains how to respond when family & friends are duped by Fake News

[@chashue6032]

That is an easy one. " Don't be a parrot, do your research".

[@BetsyHargrove-x9m]

Yes, the cult people should do their research instead of blindly following anyone, and especially someone who consistently spreads lies. Love them and be there when the light goes on.

[@skidmoda]

Most dems I talk to now acknowledge lawfare and corruption but simple don't care. They vote on pure emotions

[@paulrudgley1682]

Ruth, what category do you think you fit into? An oversimplified way of looking at the relationship between the first kind of intelligence (roughly, IQ) and the second kind of intelligence (Wisdom Quotient, WQ) could be set out as follows: People with a high IQ and WQ have a good understanding of themselves and other people and the world they live in. Unless they are very careful, they are persecuted. People with a medium IQ and a high WQ have a fair understanding of themselves and other people. Unless they are careful, they are persecuted. People with a low IQ and a high WQ (quite common among people with learning difficulties, since they have not had their minds cluttered with ‘expert’ theories) have a very simple and direct understanding of the people around them, but, as they cannot marry this understanding to more intellectual matters, and since they are often treated with disregard by the ‘normal’ people around them, they are often hurt and frustrated. People with a high IQ and a medium WQ try to do good, and this can be useful and effective, but if they are convinced that they know what is best for other people, they become dangerous. People with a medium IQ and a medium WQ mean well, but they do not see issues clearly and can be used by those with a medium IQ and WQ and those with a high IQ and low WQ. People with a low IQ and medium WQ can be very caring, but they are also likely to be confused, prejudiced and dogmatic. People with a high IQ and a low WQ are powerful and cruel, very dangerous people. People with a medium IQ and a low WQ are also dangerous, for they support power and cruelty. People with a low IQ and a low WQ have little understanding of what goes on around them. So they are thoughtlessly destructive and are easily led and used by those with a high or medium IQ and low WQ. Rowe, Dorothy. Wanting Everything . HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition. Political Ponerology: The Science of Evil, Psychopathy, and the Origins of Totalitarianism 5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Important Book You haven't Read Reviewed in the United States on 13 December 2023 Life is hard and so is this book. But if you're deeply concerned about what's happening in America these days, most especially if you value your Freedom, you must find the time and you must summon the will to work your way through this most brilliant analysis of the origins of totalitarianism. Crucially, the author also offers possible solutions. I can pretty much guarantee this book will change the way you understand the world. Forged in the crucible of totalitarianism, Political Ponerology is written by psychiatrist Dr. Andrew M. Lobaczewski, who draws on his experience and clinical insight during the decades he spent under the crushing heel of the Nazi and Communist regimes. Decades ahead of its time, and brimming with unique insights and depth of vision, Political Ponerology explores a genus of highly adapted and charming psychopaths who bend political parties, institutions, and media to their depraved worldview, dividing and hypnotizing entire populations, and paving a virtuous path to genocide, mass repression, and gulags. From the darkness of past regimes, Political Ponerology brings you the keys to understanding and protecting yourself from today’s spellbinding ideologues, and tomorrow’s dictators.