Amadd wrote on Nov 5
th, 2009 at 7:54pm:
First there is information that seems very logical and scientific, but then the further that one is roped in, the more incomprehensible the logic becomes.
That reminds me of my initial learning experience with Quantum mechanics.
(until I actually started to understand it)
Regardless of the field, if you totally confuse people with a mass of details, it tends to convince them of the legitimacy of the argument.
From the perspective of an individual, he will tend to take things on faith, in the belief that even if he doesn't understand it, nobody else seems to have a problem with it - After all, nobody is asking questions.
The herd mentality prevails if everybody else takes that same attitude, and nobody actually admits that they don't understand.
It's the same with many religions. Scientology doesn't have a monopoly on brainwashing.