Mattias Desmet's book The Psychology of Totalitarianism
A Close Look at Mass Formation, Control, and the Loss of Freedom
Mattias Desmet's book The Psychology of Totalitarianism looks at how societies, especially modern democracies, might fall under totalitarian control not through raw force, but through mass psychological processes, fear-driven stories, and the tempting appeal of "scientific" certainty.
Desmet uses ideas from psychology, philosophy, history, and current events to describe the idea of mass formation. He says that when people are anxious, alone, and feel like they have lost their meaning, they are more likely to embrace more authoritarian practices, even if it means giving up their freedoms.
This is a brave and necessary book that tells people to notice the mental processes that allow tyranny to happen and to get back to thinking critically, talking to each other, and connecting with other people.
Book Set
Great for people who like 1984 by George Orwell, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman. It's also great for critical thinkers, psychologists, teachers, and people who watch politics.
Why you should read The Psychology of Totalitarianism:
Brings out the strong idea of "mass formation"
Questions popular stories with intellectual and philosophical rigor
Connects psychological processes to past and present authoritarian movements
Gives them hope by waking them up and spreading the truth.
"Totalitarianism is not a historical coincidence" is a memorable quote from the book. It is the natural result of mechanistic thinking.
Translation (Sinhala): "සම්පූර්ණවාදය කියන්නේ අහිංසක ඉතිහාසමය සිදුවීමක් නොවෙයි. It is a logical conclusion of mechanical maps.
Translation (Tamil): "தினைத்துவம் என்பது வரலாற்று தவறான நிகழ்வல்ல; அது இயந்திர போக்கு சிந்தனையின் தர்க்கரீதியான முடிவாகும்."
Availability on Booxworm.lk
You may buy Mattias Desmet's The Psychology of Totalitarianism online at Booxworm.lk or come to our store in Colombo to learn more about this important critique of how modern society is moving toward conformity and control.
Physical Store Location:
180, W.A. Silva Mawatha, Wellawatte, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka
+94 768 46 2551
Visit: www.booxworm.lk
About the Book
The Psychology of Totalitarianism is the title.
By Mattias Desmet
ISBN: 9781645021727
Chelsea Green Publishing is the publisher.
Year of Publication: 2022
Number of Pages: About 240 (Paperback)
Psychology, political philosophy, sociology, and current events are some of the genres.
