This episode of Living Myth addresses the rise of conspiracy theories and spread of falsehoods in conjunction with the phenomenon of a widespread loss of personal identity. Recent studies show that amidst radical social changes and growing levels of personal insecurity many people feel a greater need to feel part of a group. While being part of an in-group can relieve underlying feelings of insecurity, it can also involve a loss of true identity. As hostilities between polarized sides intensify, people can cling more tightly to social identities and partisan beliefs, which in turn can make false information and conspiracy theories not only more acceptable, but also more necessary. As the contemporary confusion between truth and lies intensifies, Michael Meade offers the age-old concept of a genuine "act of truth" that can restore the sense of personal integrity and also serve as an antidote that can reverse the spread of poisons in the collective body of society. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth . You can hear Michael Meade live by joining his free online event "Finding Unity in a Divided World" on Thursday, July 17. Register and learn more at mosaicvoices.org/events. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium . Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 700 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.
