Propaganda: It's Not What You Think

This begins our comprehensive deep dive into Jacques Ellul's "Propaganda: the Formation of Men's Attitudes," endeavouring to give you back your own actions and thoughts.

82. Propaganda: It's Not What You Think

When you pick up Jacques Ellul’s Propaganda: The Formation of Men’s Attitudes, you must prepare yourself to have almost everything you think you know about the nature of propaganda to be challenged. We generally think of propaganda as the product of some manipulative mastermind, spreading lies and brainwashing people into believing things that are not true. Many think, “If only we can get the truth out to people and confront the regime’s lies, then we will be able to sway them to our side.” But this is not what propaganda is, and it isn’t how it works, especially if it’s done well. Propaganda is primarily about shaping your will towards action, the actions the propagandist has selected for you. He is not as worried that you think correctly, as long as you act correctly. He doesn’t care if you walk around burdened with cognitive dissonance, as long as you do what he wants.

Propaganda is also an essential component of the technological society. Its use goes much deeper and broad…