The Power of the Charlatan

There is more in this book than the story of the medicine man, the hypnotist, and the expert at shell games.

The charlatan “was the foe of education, of anything that could disturb the uniform ignorance of the mass; in the place of education he offered propaganda.” He does business best when people are suffering, when they are hopeless, or rather have only the hope of a miracle to right their fortunes. He has to be intolerant, and he has to promise his crowds their heart’s desire.

This book explores The Power of the Charlatan.