The Mind Manipulators: A Non-fiction Account
by Alan W. Scheflin, Jr. Edward M. Opton
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Book Summary Information
Author: Alan W. Scheflin, Jr. Edward M. OptonEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1978-07
ISBN: 0448229773
Number of pages: 539
Publisher: Paddington Press Ltd.
Book Reviews of The Mind Manipulators: A Non-fiction Account
Book Review: A Survey of Mind Manipulation.
Summary: 5 Stars
_The Mind Manipulators_ by Alan W. Scheflin and Edward M. Opton, Jr., published in 1978, is a fascinating account of the technologies of mind manipulation that are being used to subvert man's freedom and reduce him to a slave of his manipulators. Although somewhat dated, this book nevertheless remains very important for those who wish to understand the technological advances which have made possible mind manipulation and mind control on a massive scale. The book looks at cases of mind control including "brainwashing" and psychiatric coercion, emphasizing especially the role of individuals in the government who have sought to control the masses through these methods. The book also shows the use of mind manipulation among individuals deemed "efficiency experts", for police surveillance, and in the prison system. The book is neatly divided into chapters with titles such as the following:
Assaulting the Mind: The Rise of Mind Manipulation - provides an overview of the rise of mind manipulation, emphasizing its beginnings among "efficiency experts", including remarks on the Moscow Show Trials, and the CIA's role in mind control experimentation.
Laundering the Mind: Brainwashing - begins by examining the brainwashing phenomenon within communist countries, including the supposed brainwashing of Korean POWs, the brainwashing of Cardinal Mindszenty, and the emphasis on both Soviet and Chinese brainwashing. Also, this chapter includes a discussion of Charles Manson (arguing that his control over his followers was not actual brainwashing), the rise of religious cults (showing the role of cult deprogrammers and the conflict between freedom of religion and "freedom of thought"), and Patty Hearst (arguing that she was not actually brainwashed). In particular, there is evidence to suggest that Charles Manson was influenced heavily by such cultlike systems as Scientology and Dale Carnegie's courses, as well as science fiction writer Robert Heinlein. The authors conclude that the concept of brainwashing may itself be a form of mind manipulation.
Tampering with the Mind (I): The CIA - emphasizes the role of the CIA in unethical experiments on mind control, under such programs as Project BLUEBIRD and MK-ULTRA. The authors provide evidence to show that the CIA experimented heavily on various mind control techniques, particularly emphasizing the use of LSD and marijuana to induce mental states in individuals supposedly facilitating mind control. The authors show some of the harm that arose from these programs including the death of Frank Olson, who was given LSD without his knowledge which may have led to his suicide, and the horrendously unethical drug experiments of George Hunter White, a narcotics officer who experimented with drugs, giving them to unsuspecting individuals through surreptitious methods.
Tampering with the Mind (II): The Army - the authors fully discuss the role of the U.S. Army in mind manipulation especially unethical experimentation with LSD. The authors note the role of the CIA in many of these projects and show the harm they caused including torture of individuals and permanent mental problems for those concerned.
Ruling the Mind: The Marriage of Politics and Science - the authors show how mind manipulation arose from a philosophy which viewed man as a machine, emphasizing the worldview of behaviorism beginning with such individuals as the Russian scientist Pavlov. The authors also discuss the development of the CIA and the role of the CIA in politics. Indeed, the CIA may have attempted to develop mind manipulation technology so as to effectively compete with the Soviets who were believed to already have this technology. This led to a whole host of unethical experimentats.
Amputating the Mind: Lobotomy - the authors discuss the use of psychosurgery as a supposed answer to mental disorder. The authors show how the lobotomy procedure became commonplace and easy to perform on many patients at a time. The authors also show the danger of this procedure and its resulting in permanent brain damage.
Pruning the Mind: The New Psychosurgery - the authors discuss the role of psychosurgeries within psychology including especially stereotaxic procedures. The authors show the harm that these surgeries have caused, including permanent brain damage, as well as their potential use as a form of mind manipulation and political control.
Rewiring the Mind: Electrical Stimulation of the Brain - the authors discuss the stimoreceiver, an invention of Dr. Jose Delgado, who allegedly used this technology to directly control moods through remote control and stopped a bull from charging with a remote control device implanted in its brain.
Blowing the Mind: Electroconvulsive Shock - the authors discuss the harm and brain damage that may result from ECT therapy, and the use of this therapy as a panacea for all mental ills.
Castrating the Mind: Sex Control - the authors discuss the use of castration as a means of control, including both actual castration, brain castration, and chemical castration. The authors discuss the unethical nature of this treatment.
Robotizing the Mind: The Quest for the Manchurian Candidate - the authors discuss the CIA's alleged attempt to create the perfect mind control assassin. Based on the novel _The Manchurian Candidate_ of Richard Condon, the authors show how the CIA was involved in projects aimed to create a perfect mind controlled robot. The authors discuss the case of Candy Jones, who allegedly was mind manipulated by the CIA. The authors also discuss the supposed role of the CIA in such political assassins as Sirhan Sirhan. In addition, the authors discuss the role of hypnosis and the attempt to create multiple personalities in individuals using hypnotic techniques. While the authors conclude that in theory such creation is not possible, they note that it may still have been tried by the CIA and resulted in much harm.
Asserting the Mind: Repudiating the Mind Manipulators - the authors note the use of propaganda and electronic surveillance as a means to control. The authors repudiate the mind manipulators and argue that it is necessary to assert oneself in order to fully overcome their control and make self-governance a real possibility.
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