Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism

A Study of 'Brainwashing' in China

By: Robert Jay Lifton

Narrated by: Bobby Brill

Informed by Erik Erikson's concept of the formation of ego identity, this book, which first appeared in 1961, is an analysis of the experiences of 15 Chinese citizens and 25 Westerners who underwent "brainwashing" by the Communist Chinese government. Robert Lifton constructs these case histories through personal interviews and outlines a thematic pattern of death and rebirth, accompanied by feelings of guilt, that characterizes the process of "thought reform."

©1961 Robert Jay Lifton (P)2022 Licensing Management, Inc.

Deconstructing? Add this to your list.

While I have been unpacking and getting settled into the new place, I've been listening to audio books! The first one on my list was Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton. As evidenced by the title, this books is about thought reform -- specifically in China's re-education centers. It focuses on Western and Chinese individuals who endured China's intense thought reform programs surrounding the Korean war.

This book initially interested me because for the past few years I've been learning about the impacts of magical thinking, brain washing, and cults on the human mind -- thanks in no small part to the role of Donald Trump (and his accompanying administration) in bringing forward the more extreme aspects of USA society. Lifton's work is referenced by many of the resources I found. Interestingly enough, Lifton's name is invoked even by prominent members of high control groups, hyper-zealous religions, and political cults.

One of Lifton's key points is "totalism," which governs a person's understanding of reality and their behavior in relation to that understanding. It was a difficult concept for me to grasp, but I understand now that "totalism" relates to the degree to which a person's mentality believes in "black and white" concepts. Totalism also encompasses the ideologies that demand absolute commitment and are often enforced by coercion, manipulation, and social pressure. These environments aim to reshape the individual's identity to align with a particular set of ideals or the party doctrine, suppressing all forms of dissent through overt and subversive means.

The historical context and research methodology of this book are important to understanding what and how Dr. Lifton is studying in his personal interviews with the test subjects. He begins by contextualizing the political and cultural upheavals in post-revolutionary Communist China, where the government initiated massive thought reform programs. He describes his methodology, which involved intensive interviews with former POWs and other detainees who experienced the thought reform process.

The eight criteria for thought reform that he lists out are milieu control, mystical manipulation, the demand for purity, the cult of confession, the "Sacred science", loading the language, doctrine over person, and dispensing of existence. I found it interesting that some of these aspects cross over with propaganda methods. ropaganda involves the manipulation of information, emotions, and beliefs to achieve a specific goal or influence a population's thought patterns. It often utilizes psychological techniques to sway public opinion and consolidate power. In light of recent events, I would like to take a brief moment to deviate from the book review to discuss this pertinent topic.

From controlling the information environment (by, for example, censoring dissenting opinions or spreading disinformation), to creating a manufactured sense of destiny or inevitability around certain events or leaders, to us-versus-them dynamics, to loaded language that discourages nuanced conversation, propaganda is rife with thought control methods. By promoting ideology over the value of individual experiences or perspectives, and by dehumanizing those with dissenting opinions or who exist as a part of a marginalized group, propaganda can justify poor treatment, exclusion, or aggression toward others.

It is important to remain vigilant and pay attention to media and other content that brings out those feelings within us. Throughout history, various regimes and organizations have used propaganda in ways that incorporate many of these elements of thought reform, seeking not just to persuade but to control the thoughts and loyalties of populations. Recognizing these tactics is key to maintaining the critical thinking necessary for a free and open society.

Dr. Lifton touches on psychological effects of and coping mechanisms for thought reform. Through his individual case studies, he analyzes the psychological consequences of exposure to intense and prolonged indoctrination processes and the coping mechanisms the survivors developed. These ranged from internal resistance and symbolic defiance to more profound forms of compliance where the individual began to believe in the imposed ideology (what lifton calls "ideological totalism"). He also addresses the truths and lies each individual told themselves about themselves and their situations in order to survive.

While focusing on the experiences in China, Lifton also discusses the relevance of his findings to other instances of totalism, including religious extremism, cults, and political movements. He warns of the dangers posed by totalist ideologies and the susceptibility of individuals to psychological manipulation, emphasizing the need for awareness and psychological resilience.

Ultimately, his book underscores the importance of preserving the human capacity for critical thinking and autonomy in the face of ideological totalism. He advocates for psychological and societal awareness and safeguards to protect individuals and communities from the dangers of thought reform. His book remains a critical work for understanding the dynamics of coercive persuasion and ideological manipulation. Its insights are not only historical but also relevant for contemporary discussion s about political and religious extremism, cult behaviors, and the psychology of compliance and resistance.

Its 100% worth the read, though avid fiction readers may find it a bit long and dry, but for those who are interested in exploring the psychological aspects of cults, propaganda, and social dynamics, this is a must-read.

Landmark study on totalitarian societies

Landmark study on the devastation of totalitarian and communist ideologies upon the individual, personal relationships, families, communities and the larger society.

Denial of human rights, isolation, mass surveillance, public humiliation, denunciations, corruption of law and the judiciary, imprisonment, psychological torment and physical abuse and torture,

Beautifully written, full of data gathered from precision, in depth interviews over time with a diverse set of individuals by a highly skilled, compassionate practitioner.

I cannot express how important this text is as history, psychological investigation, and as a warning for the present and future.

The text is expertly read by Bob Brill.