One for the Books: Our fascination with cults

I think it’s human nature to be fascinated with cults — maybe because we think we’re too smart to be pulled into the net of a cult leader. But in the captivating book “Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism,” author Amanda Montell shows how we are all susceptible to the power of cults. “Our behavior is driven by a desire for belonging and purpose,” she tells us. “We’re ‘cultish’ by nature.”

Montell explains that the most basic traits of cults are a “distinctive vernacular” and a charismatic leader (usually male, often called guru, master or father). Cults are not necessarily destructive, but where there’s power, there’s often abuse.