Page 90 of Atlas
“But hasn’t there ever been a good cult?” River asked.
“Ask Jolene, she’s the expert,” Nathan suggested.
I cleared my throat. “I’ve interviewed people who were miserable about being excommunicated. Life on the outside has its drawbacks too, and for many former cult members, life outside the cult can feel overwhelming and unfulfilling. A woman in Idaho told me that even though she understood it was a cult, her life in the community had still provided a structure and meaning to her that she missed. I always ask the people I interview if they consider their cult a good one, and she was one of the few who said ‘yes.’”
“But that’s because she’s a victim of brainwashing,” Liv argued.
“Mmhh.” I nodded. “But one subject that always comes up is connection. Many people today are lonely and feel disconnected. For some, the cult fills that void.”
“Yeah, but at what price?” Nathan muttered. “Look at us. We’re all screwed up and traumatized in one way or the other.”
“What we experienced was extreme, even for cults,” Lumi said and picked brownie crumbs from her pants. “Conor was a high-functioning psychopath who used us for his amusement and entertainment.”
“What about you, Atlas?” River leaned forward. “You’ve studied mind control for so long. Haven’t you ever seen a happy version of it?”
“No. I’ve seen gurus with good intentions, but as their number of followers grows and people worship them and hang on their every word, it changes them. That much attention is a type of power, and power corrupts.”
“Do you agree, Jolene?” Nathan asked.
“Yes, but it’s too easy to put all the blame on the cult leader. Look at the many cults who sprung from the New Age movement, for instance. People were isolating themselves with so-called like-minded souls in tranquil surroundings to work on their spirituality. To me, there’s something inherently narcissistic about that. All those hours spent reflecting and meditating to reach enlightenment for themselves with no benefit to the world. What if instead, they had volunteered and built houses for the homeless, volunteered in a soup kitchen, or offered their time to mentor an orphan who needed a role model?”
“Are you saying that we members in Conor’s group were all narcissistic?” Charles asked me with his brow raised.
“Not the children, since they had no choice,” I clarified. “But from what I understand, Conor lured people in by making promises of superiority and influence on the world. You were the selected ones, weren’t you?”
“Yes.” Charles was sitting next to Nathan and River on the sofa with his arm around Liv.
“I’m sure you joined for several reasons, and my guess is, that connection was one of them. But if you were motivated by the outlook to work on yourself and gain superiority and enlightenment, then I’d say that’s self-centered.”
Charles’ shoulder bobbed, and his nose twitched in tics. “Then what about the people who go to therapy sessions every week? Are they exhibiting narcissistic traits as well? Or are all of us aiming to be the best version of ourselves indulging in selfish behavior?”
“That’s not what I meant. There’s a difference between going to a therapist once a week and to giving up your life to work on your spirituality.”
“I’m sure people in cults don’t feel that they gave up their old lives. They just moved and made changes in their friend group. People do that all the time,” Charles pointed out. “At least to me, it felt like a natural progression and not a drastic cut-off between old and new.”
Liv looked up at her husband. “Yeah, but you were only a member for a few months, not years. And you only had your grandfather to cut out of your life. It would have been more significant if you’d cut off siblings, parents, and friends as well.”
Atlas played with my hand, letting his fingers caress it as he spoke, “River, if you’re asking us if a cult could work, then my answer is no.”
“Even if it’s a cult without cruelty?” River asked.
“Yes, because even if there was such a person as a leader humble enough to withstand the temptation of controlling those who worship him or her, then there’s the question of a cult isolating themselves. What good are they to humanity if they only care about themselves?”
“As interesting as this conversation is, I’m afraid that I have to go.” Lumi stood back up. “I promised Damian that I’d swing by and help him look at investment opportunities.”
“Hang on; I’ll pack up a brownie that you can bring Damian,” Liv said and took the tray of cake to the kitchen.
“I didn’t know Damian had money to invest.” River pushed up from her position in Nathan’s lap to go and hug Lumi.
Lumi shrugged. “It’s the compound effect. I’ve taught him how even a little will make a difference long-term, and it’s starting to pay off.”
“Good for Damian. I’m sure with you helping him he’ll be able to retire a rich man,” Charles said and hugged Lumi too.
She laughed. “That’s the goal. I figure it’s the least I can do for his saving my life.”
Atlas and I walked Lumi to her car. It was a beautiful Range Rover special edition. Before taking off, she hugged us both and whispered something in Atlas’ ears that made him smile and kiss her cheek.
“What did she say?” I asked him as we waved his sister off.
