"In order to be credible, the signal has to be costly: ...the dictator is not merely ok, but a superhuman being" http://abandonedfootnotes.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/simple-model-of-cults-of-personality.html …
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@madison_ponders and it's true that just performing the rituals (esp. along with enthusiastic others) can create belief in many cases
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Replying to @sarahdoingthing
@sarahdoingthing @madison_ponders Reminds me of Scott Alexander's insight in "The Toxoplasma of Rage"1 reply 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @KevinSimler
@sarahdoingthing @madison_ponders i.e. the crazy beliefs are necessary (as performances) to being seen as central to the cult1 reply 0 retweets 2 likes -
Replying to @KevinSimler
@sarahdoingthing @madison_ponders Not sure if related, but I've started to see many rituals as slightly-veiled "kiss the ring" ceremonies3 replies 0 retweets 2 likes -
Replying to @KevinSimler
@KevinSimler@sarahdoingthing @madison_ponders If I can go 40 days without eating, I've shown I *might* be able to handle power responsibly.2 replies 0 retweets 0 likes
@ckhonson @KevinSimler @madison_ponders there is a risk here of holiness signaling spirals, which can be very destructive
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