The Guru Papers
Masks of Authoritarian Power
by Joel Kramer & Diana Alstad
Overviews by us (download pdfs below)
Overviews: “The Guru Papers affects people personally and also has far-reaching social implications. Although its major thesis is straightforward, it is also multi-faceted with ramifications that spread far and wide….” – by Diana and Joel
How The Guru Papers Differs from other books on gurus and cults. Decoding guru/disciple dynamics of control and surrender displays “mental authoritarianism” writ large, revealing less obvious instances of control and manipulation that occur in many contexts. – by Diana
“Exposing Mental Authoritarianism Can Strengthen Democracy” – by Diana (Elephantjournal.com, 2012)
The Guru Papers Post – 9/11: “Since 9/11/2001 The Guru Papers has become ever more timely and relevant to the growing threats to democracy, women, children, and a viable world. It points to the very things currently unfolding in our increasingly unstable and polarized world….” – by Diana and Joel
Interviews with us
“Question Authority” in Nexus (Boulder, CO) by Ravi Dykema
“A Look at Hidden Authoritarianism” in Omni by Keith Harary
On Our Model of Addiction
On our new model of addiction & critique of 12-step programs
– by Dr. Marsha Rosenbaum, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
review of “Who Is in Control?: The Authoritarian Roots of Addiction”
(chapter on addiction in The Guru Papers)
