Re: Anyone remember Jonestown?

Hi Hopinso,

I agree with this statement: "I am afraid this is a piece of history that is doomed to repeat itself because there are too many people who blindly follow a charismatic leader without question."

Yet, I think (IMO) that what happens is the people that follow these charismatic leaders or individuals lack self esteem, self worth. They lack faith in theirselves. They lack faith in just about everything. Then this individual comes along and promises them a brighter future, all the while showing them that they are important and 'loved'. Seeing as the person(s), do not feel they have any worth and this individual is saying they do, it becomes easy to fall prey towards them.

When One lacks Self-Worth, it is easy to 'follow' another. This (again, IMO) is why there are so many out there who are willing to 'experiment' with drugs and alcohol and whatever else they see fit to do. This is how so many out there become lost in that world of drugs, alcohol and whatever else that works for them. As well as how so many easily become 'followers'.

I went through a life experience that until I was 42 years old, I allowed to control my life. There were times from 35-42, I had more belief of Self-Worth than I had ever had before that. Yet, until I turned 42, they were fleeting moments. I know, without a doubt in my mind, had I felt Worthwhile, the drugs, alcohol and promiscuity I had in my life, would not have occurred. I know, without a doubt in mind, had I felt Worthwhile, I would have set goals and stuck with them and not allowed others to convince me otherwise.

I believe, without a doubt in my mind, that when a young person knows their Self-Worth, they do not abandon their dreams by following the masses.

If we can help the young people feel their Worth, so that they can grow into Self Confident individuals, these charismatic individuals no longer can control the minds of people to their deaths or whatever other atrocities they wish to inflict!

This is obviously just my opinion and MANY will disagree. I am okay with that. I now have Self-Confidence and Self-Worth that is no longer measured by other's opinions of me!

Love, Light and Peace,
Beth