Both Kheriaty and Desmet want to defend genuine, modern science, which is objective, modest, and reasonable, from scientism, which isn’t. But we may wonder if this is a distinction without a difference, and whether the inclination to reductionist materialism (as well as technological utopianism) was present from the beginning of the modern project... ... Desmet’s fascinating book is mass hypnosis or mass hysteria, though he invariably uses the more abstruse term “mass formation” psychosis. Though he has popularized that phrase, Desmet takes pains to insist that he did not invent it. “Mass formation” or “crowd formation” psychosis was discussed many times in clinical psychology research throughout the 20th century, and was even used by Sigmund Freud. Desmet prefers this term, reasonably enough, because it allows him to lay out his arguments without the preconceptions readers might bring to words like “hypnosis” or “hysteria.” Desmet argues that the extraordinary distress, irrationality,...
Matt Gaetz @mattgaetz Donald Trump brought Republican association to its highest highs in over a quarter century....Then, the Iran war...@peterbakernyt...49% of Americans now identify as Democrats or Democratic-leaning compared with 39% Republican, the party's largest advantage since 2008 and a big flip in 2 years...
Matt Gaetz @mattgaetz Donald Trump brought Republican association to its highest highs in over a quarter century. He saved our economy, rebuilt our military and inspired hope for hundreds of millions of people. He did all this under unprecedented and unjust attacks from the media and every major institution in America. He led the greatest political comeback in human history. He prevailed over indictments, rogue judges and assassination attempts. Then, the Iran war... Quote Peter Baker @peterbakernyt · Sep 6 Fully 49% of Americans now identify as Democrats or Democratic-leaning compared with 39% Republican, the party's largest advantage since 2008 and a big flip in 2 years, per @Gallup . As late as 2024, the GOP had a slight edge. @RuthIgielnik @carolinelsoler https:// nytimes.com/2026/09/05/us/ politics/democrats-republicans-voters-gallup-midterms.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share 9:27 AM · Sep 7, 2026 · 411.6K Views Pray an Our Father now for reparation for the sins committed ...