Political and religious ideologies are among the most pervasive forms of human thought ever developed, attracting billions of followers worldwide. These belief systems are appealing because they target our deepest hopes, fears, and desires. But don’t be fooled. They are not as beneficial as they may seem. They have had and continue to have terrible consequences.
Today, ideologies continue to be used against us. More than ever, power-hungry leaders have exploited our vulnerability to belief-based appeals to advance their personal agendas at our expense. Our failure to grasp this reality has allowed them to gain tremendous power over us. We must understand what we face as we are often bombarded by the false narratives our leaders promote.
Author John Kavanagh’s research into belief systems helps expose the myths surrounding our most popular political and religious ideologies. Using historical and current examples, he explains their true nature, what drives their success, and why they are so dangerous for us all.
John Kavanagh is the former CEO of Marketing Corporation of America (MCA), a $100 million management consulting and research company located in Westport and Chicago. He earned a B.A. degree from Yale University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia University.
After MCA was acquired by the Interpublic Group, John returned to the study of history, in which he had majored at Yale. At that time, he became concerned about the growing influence of ideologies in bringing dictators to power and their role in causing immense human suffering. This motivated him to spend several years researching political and religious ideologies. Drawing on this extensive research, his proven analytical skills, and his historical knowledge, The Path to Power, Road to Ruin: The Dangers of Religious and Political Ideologies.