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Mind Viruses: America's Irrational Obsessions
In 1872, Fyodor Dostoevsky published a novel titled Demons, about a catastrophe that ensues from the nihilism that became prevalent in Russia in the 1860s. A group of young men incite chaos as they try to stage a revolution. In Dostoevsky’s portrayal, they seem possessed by the doctrines they espouse. In a 1957 essay, the Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, made similar observations about “subversive minorities” in the West who are animated by “chimerical wish fantasies” that may rapidly spread like a contagion and develop into “psychic epidemics.”
In the United States today, we see the sort of “psychic epidemics” that Jung warned about—that is, fervent belief in ideas or doctrines that were, until recently, considered to be irrational. These doctrines seem to possess the minds of the believers, rendering them unable to think about complex problems. Instead of calm discussion, they are given to hot emotional outbursts and violent behavior. Critical thinking is replaced by mindless slogans and extreme, either/or propositions that leave no room for differences of opinion or negotiations.
During the pandemic, the COVID-19 vaccine was made into an object of religious veneration and portrayed as the liberator and savior of mankind. Faith in the new genetic technology was largely unshaken by the fact that it didn’t prevent transmission and infection. Similar “faith communities” have been erected around the issues of transgender medicine, Ukrainian nationalism, and climate change.
Mind America’s Irrational Obsessions examines the social, spiritual, and technological forces that have propagated these psychic epidemics, and what they bode for the future of our Constitutional Republic.
In the United States today, we see the sort of “psychic epidemics” that Jung warned about—that is, fervent belief in ideas or doctrines that were, until recently, considered to be irrational. These doctrines seem to possess the minds of the believers, rendering them unable to think about complex problems. Instead of calm discussion, they are given to hot emotional outbursts and violent behavior. Critical thinking is replaced by mindless slogans and extreme, either/or propositions that leave no room for differences of opinion or negotiations.
During the pandemic, the COVID-19 vaccine was made into an object of religious veneration and portrayed as the liberator and savior of mankind. Faith in the new genetic technology was largely unshaken by the fact that it didn’t prevent transmission and infection. Similar “faith communities” have been erected around the issues of transgender medicine, Ukrainian nationalism, and climate change.
Mind America’s Irrational Obsessions examines the social, spiritual, and technological forces that have propagated these psychic epidemics, and what they bode for the future of our Constitutional Republic.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
John Leake
48 books51 followersBorn in Dallas, Texas, John Leake went to Vienna, Austria on a graduate school scholarship and ended up living in the city for over a decade, working as a freelance writer and translator. His first book, Entering Hades: The Double Life of a Serial Killer (Sarah Crichton Books, FSG) was a New York Times Sunday Book Review "Editors' Choice," a Men's Vogue "Best Book of 2007," and the inspiration of The Infernal Comedy, starring John Malkovich.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mind Viruses are biased thought patterns, which are either irrational or deviously rational so that they present themselves as objectively rational while they are really emotive reactions or subjective self-interest.
Do mind viruses exist? The author presents a comprehensive range of examples and by and large makes the point that they do indeed exist. That aspect of the book is well presented, clearly argued and it is persuasive. Historical witch hunts were indeed mind viruses.
Some of the dubious thought patterns aroused by fears of war also fall into that pattern of mind viruses. The internment of innocent US citizens of Japanese ancestory during World War II is a case in point (Executive Order 9066) as it deprived citizens of their liberty with no evidence, charge or trial. Even more astonishing is the fact that when that issue was taken to the Supreme Court, it was defended and justified in a judgement that no modern scholar can even begin to understand. What that shows is that a specific cultural impact (warfare) can drive even the thought patterns of the nations top lawyers into a mind virus, or into what Dietrich Bonhoeffer memorably called ‘collective stupidity’ when applied to Nazi Germany.
Where the book becomes a little more problematic is in its portrayal of current affairs, where a lack of objectivity became apparent. For example it had strong views about Ukraine. The author suggested that Ukraine should have been dealt with like Austria where NATO and Russia agreed to treat it as neutral. What the book doesn’t tell readers is that there were important dissimilarities in that analogy. Ukraine gave up a large nuclear stockpile of weapons in return for promises of NATO and Western military support against future Russian aggression. Russia had also announced a policy to form a landbridge across Ukraine to the breakaway republic of Transnistria. Issues like that need to be raised and discussed if the book is to give a properly objective account of matters.
Another example linked to Ukraine is the allegation that it was a ‘war crime’ against Russia to blow up a gas pipe moving Russian gas to the West. A war crime? Where is the explanation and defence of that particularly emotive labelling? Is it really relevant to focus on the fact that it involved the destruction of the property of citizens and shareholders, when that is almost always the case in warfare. When the allies destroyed German factories in World War II, they were destroying factories which had private owners and shareholders. The book is factually incomplete in explaining these kinds of issues, with the result that once again matters looked inexplicably biased in a pro-Russian direction.
The explanation of the Covid situation also lacked some objectivity. With hindsight it is now easy to see that mistakes were made and that there were over-reactions. But does that warrant insinuations which sound like conspiracy? The author had already made the point earlier in the book that fear in wartime makes people reason badly. So is it really surprising that the panic of a pandemic wouldn’t manifest in similarly bad thinking?
What was missing from the Covid analysis was an attempt to try and understand how and why the panic thinking took the form it did. Ideally there needed to be an explanation of how previous pandemics presented, like the Spanish Flu of 1918, as current bad thinking can often be understood as a pattern of re-fighting a former conflict. The Spanish Flu was particularly virulent against fit healthy and young people, hence the (now seemingly irrational) Covid focus on the youth. The Spanish Flu was airborne, hence the (now seemingly irrational) focus on masks. A more complete presentation of (historical) information would have provided an alternative perspective and aided a more objective analysis of matters.
Overall, the book was enjoyable when it was dealing with historical matters where it had an appropriate objectivity in describing mind viruses. But when it came to current affairs it felt like the book suddenly succumbed to its own mind virus in places, marshalling information to persuade a conviction, rather than to argue a point.
Do mind viruses exist? The author presents a comprehensive range of examples and by and large makes the point that they do indeed exist. That aspect of the book is well presented, clearly argued and it is persuasive. Historical witch hunts were indeed mind viruses.
Some of the dubious thought patterns aroused by fears of war also fall into that pattern of mind viruses. The internment of innocent US citizens of Japanese ancestory during World War II is a case in point (Executive Order 9066) as it deprived citizens of their liberty with no evidence, charge or trial. Even more astonishing is the fact that when that issue was taken to the Supreme Court, it was defended and justified in a judgement that no modern scholar can even begin to understand. What that shows is that a specific cultural impact (warfare) can drive even the thought patterns of the nations top lawyers into a mind virus, or into what Dietrich Bonhoeffer memorably called ‘collective stupidity’ when applied to Nazi Germany.
Where the book becomes a little more problematic is in its portrayal of current affairs, where a lack of objectivity became apparent. For example it had strong views about Ukraine. The author suggested that Ukraine should have been dealt with like Austria where NATO and Russia agreed to treat it as neutral. What the book doesn’t tell readers is that there were important dissimilarities in that analogy. Ukraine gave up a large nuclear stockpile of weapons in return for promises of NATO and Western military support against future Russian aggression. Russia had also announced a policy to form a landbridge across Ukraine to the breakaway republic of Transnistria. Issues like that need to be raised and discussed if the book is to give a properly objective account of matters.
Another example linked to Ukraine is the allegation that it was a ‘war crime’ against Russia to blow up a gas pipe moving Russian gas to the West. A war crime? Where is the explanation and defence of that particularly emotive labelling? Is it really relevant to focus on the fact that it involved the destruction of the property of citizens and shareholders, when that is almost always the case in warfare. When the allies destroyed German factories in World War II, they were destroying factories which had private owners and shareholders. The book is factually incomplete in explaining these kinds of issues, with the result that once again matters looked inexplicably biased in a pro-Russian direction.
The explanation of the Covid situation also lacked some objectivity. With hindsight it is now easy to see that mistakes were made and that there were over-reactions. But does that warrant insinuations which sound like conspiracy? The author had already made the point earlier in the book that fear in wartime makes people reason badly. So is it really surprising that the panic of a pandemic wouldn’t manifest in similarly bad thinking?
What was missing from the Covid analysis was an attempt to try and understand how and why the panic thinking took the form it did. Ideally there needed to be an explanation of how previous pandemics presented, like the Spanish Flu of 1918, as current bad thinking can often be understood as a pattern of re-fighting a former conflict. The Spanish Flu was particularly virulent against fit healthy and young people, hence the (now seemingly irrational) Covid focus on the youth. The Spanish Flu was airborne, hence the (now seemingly irrational) focus on masks. A more complete presentation of (historical) information would have provided an alternative perspective and aided a more objective analysis of matters.
Overall, the book was enjoyable when it was dealing with historical matters where it had an appropriate objectivity in describing mind viruses. But when it came to current affairs it felt like the book suddenly succumbed to its own mind virus in places, marshalling information to persuade a conviction, rather than to argue a point.
August 12, 2026
Mind Viruses: America's Irrational Obsessions is a provocative examination of how powerful ideas, beliefs, and social movements can spread through society and influence the way people think, communicate, and respond to complex problems.
Drawing inspiration from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Demons and Carl Jung's observations about “psychic epidemics,” John Leake develops a compelling framework for examining what he sees as the emergence of intensely held ideological beliefs in contemporary America.
One of the book's most interesting features is its attempt to connect psychology, culture, technology, and politics. Rather than treating modern social conflicts as isolated phenomena, the book considers the mechanisms through which beliefs can become emotionally charged, resistant to criticism, and increasingly influential within communities.
The discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic, transgender medicine, Ukraine, and climate change is deliberately controversial, but it serves the author's larger argument about the relationship between collective belief, technological change, and social behavior. Readers may agree or disagree with particular conclusions, but the questions surrounding conformity, critical thinking, polarization, and ideological certainty are undeniably significant.
The historical and philosophical references also give the book additional depth. By connecting contemporary debates with earlier observations about mass movements and psychological contagion, the author encourages readers to consider whether modern societies are vulnerable to recurring patterns of collective irrationality.
Readers interested in psychology, political culture, social movements, technology, philosophy, and contemporary debates about polarization and critical thinking will find Mind Viruses a challenging and discussion-provoking work.
Drawing inspiration from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Demons and Carl Jung's observations about “psychic epidemics,” John Leake develops a compelling framework for examining what he sees as the emergence of intensely held ideological beliefs in contemporary America.
One of the book's most interesting features is its attempt to connect psychology, culture, technology, and politics. Rather than treating modern social conflicts as isolated phenomena, the book considers the mechanisms through which beliefs can become emotionally charged, resistant to criticism, and increasingly influential within communities.
The discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic, transgender medicine, Ukraine, and climate change is deliberately controversial, but it serves the author's larger argument about the relationship between collective belief, technological change, and social behavior. Readers may agree or disagree with particular conclusions, but the questions surrounding conformity, critical thinking, polarization, and ideological certainty are undeniably significant.
The historical and philosophical references also give the book additional depth. By connecting contemporary debates with earlier observations about mass movements and psychological contagion, the author encourages readers to consider whether modern societies are vulnerable to recurring patterns of collective irrationality.
Readers interested in psychology, political culture, social movements, technology, philosophy, and contemporary debates about polarization and critical thinking will find Mind Viruses a challenging and discussion-provoking work.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have followed John Leake's writing for several years now, so when I had the chance to read his newest book I jumped at it. Leake is an excellent journalist, with good research and writing skills.
In this book he traces the idea of mind viruses (controlling ideas over a culture/society) through the last 50 years or so. I especially appreciated his chapters on Covid 19 and the response, The Ukrainian/Russian war, the transgender craze, and the Iranian war, as these are all events I have lived through and read about, in bits and pieces. Leake puts them all together and ties together patterns which is really helpful.
Only thing that would have made it better, is if Leake would have addressed the spiritual aspects of this and brought in how Christians can make a difference. Since I don't know if this author is a Christian or not, that may be something he could not have done anyway.
If you care about the state of the modern world I recommend reading this book.
In this book he traces the idea of mind viruses (controlling ideas over a culture/society) through the last 50 years or so. I especially appreciated his chapters on Covid 19 and the response, The Ukrainian/Russian war, the transgender craze, and the Iranian war, as these are all events I have lived through and read about, in bits and pieces. Leake puts them all together and ties together patterns which is really helpful.
Only thing that would have made it better, is if Leake would have addressed the spiritual aspects of this and brought in how Christians can make a difference. Since I don't know if this author is a Christian or not, that may be something he could not have done anyway.
If you care about the state of the modern world I recommend reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one is a little hard to review.
The first three quarters of this book were excellent reading - well written and informative. The last quarter seems to be a little more conspiracy theory based.
It is still worth a read and I learned a lot. I enjoyed much of the book.
It is packed with info, but in an understandable way. Each chapter picks up a new subject and discusses how we are constantly barraged with misinformation. There is a huge amount of information, but with short consumable chapters.
I don't really care for the title and thought he could have a much wider audience if he had chosen differently.
I recommend it with some caution (last few chapters).
The first three quarters of this book were excellent reading - well written and informative. The last quarter seems to be a little more conspiracy theory based.
It is still worth a read and I learned a lot. I enjoyed much of the book.
It is packed with info, but in an understandable way. Each chapter picks up a new subject and discusses how we are constantly barraged with misinformation. There is a huge amount of information, but with short consumable chapters.
I don't really care for the title and thought he could have a much wider audience if he had chosen differently.
I recommend it with some caution (last few chapters).
July 26, 2026
A very relevant psychological evaluation on historical and current affairs regarding collective thinking amidst a world of propaganda and fear.
While the majority of this book is very well done, I think the phrase "there are three sides to every story: my side, their side, and the truth" is important to keep in mind as we analyze international affairs. Hindsight allows us a much clearer look at many past events, but we are still uncovering the truth for many current events.
While the majority of this book is very well done, I think the phrase "there are three sides to every story: my side, their side, and the truth" is important to keep in mind as we analyze international affairs. Hindsight allows us a much clearer look at many past events, but we are still uncovering the truth for many current events.
August 13, 2026
During the pandemic, the COVID-19 vaccine was idolized as the liberator and savior of mankind, despite its failure to prevent infection.
The smallpox vaccine didn't either, anyone know how that ended?
Enough of a clue to save myself a few bucks.
The smallpox vaccine didn't either, anyone know how that ended?
Enough of a clue to save myself a few bucks.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews