How could anyone do such a thing?

It's a question we've asked repeatedly - after September 11, Waco, Jonestown, the Khmer Rouge, Hitler and Stalin - and each time the horror seems unprecedented and inconceivable. Yet, the same kind of thinking led to each of these events - a way of thinking we all share in some measure. When we belittle others, shy away from dissenting views, rely on an inspiring leadler, or simply go along with the group, we set ourselves on the parth to cult thinking. Once we draw a clear line between 'Them and Us' - whoever they are - we begin to lose our way.

The antidote, says Arthur Deikman, lies in recognising cult thinking in a wide range of institutions: corporate, political, religious and educational, and in our personal responses. When we understand how easily we fall into patterns of defensiveness and accusation, we develop a more realistic view of the world and can respond more effectively to hatred and terrorism.

'In a world of ecopnomic uncertainty, terrorist threat, and increasing political polarizations, the ideas presented in 'Them and Us' are incisive, extremely useful, and ultimately forward-looking." Janja Lalich, Assistant PRofessor of Sociology, California State University