> We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. > we are dominated by the relatively sm

> We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. > we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons...who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.” Those quotes are from Edward Bernays, considered to be the father of public relations. He ran many big public relation campaigns in the 20th century. He is responsible for millions of people who say, think and believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. He helped to popularize smoking, and promoted the idea that smoking was healthy. He often would form institutions of experts to help promote his campaigns with authority. Why are we so sure that we know what is a conspiracy theory and what is true? Why is it so important for everyone to believe the "right thing" as told by authority figures? Why is it so important to demonize people who believe alternative hypotheses (aka conspiracy theories)?