What is a personality cult? The first thing that comes to mind is the worship of millions of people before Stalin and Hitler, the idealization and exaggeration of their merits and merits. Such unreasonable admiration, obedience and fear was inherent in people at different times. And this was not always associated with something animate.
Religion and cult
Even ancient people in one way or another worshiped the elements, gods and unknown phenomena. If we analyze the first customs and rituals, it becomes clear what a cult is and where it comes from. Its appearance goes deep into the centuries, and development is closely interconnected with religion. In ancient Egypt, people worshiped the afterlife and animals. The concepts of religion and cult are very similar in definition. At its core is mass worship. But the subject of worship may vary: in the cult of personality - this is a specific person, and in religion - higher forces that lie under various concepts. Depending on religion, it may be God, Karma, Fate. The cult of religion is also different in that a person tries in every possible way to interact and communicate with higher forces. However, with a certain deification of the priest, preacher, head of the church, leader of the group, one can speak of a sect. It is in it that the overpowered authorities of their teachers and group leaders are trying to impose.
The cult of antiquity
What is a cult in antiquity? In the depths of centuries, these were rituals and ceremonies. Ancient cults were directed to deities. Belief in something unknown and incomprehensible helped a person to survive at different times, spread hope and confidence in the future. In many parts of the world, ancient cults were inextricably linked with sacrifices. At the same time, the best gift for the Higher Mind was human life. Until now, this ritual has its supporters.
What is the cult of Kali or the cult of Naga? Their origins should be sought in ancient India. The cult of Kali is associated with the worship of the Black Ma Goddess. It is believed that it still exists. The worship of the ancient Serpent, which gave the tribes wisdom, is called the cult of Naga. And such currents as Krishnaism, Shaivism, New Age are quite young and are widely developing not only in India.
Ancient cults in the modern world
Most of the ancient cults have survived to this day in the countries of Africa, Asia and Oceania. Here, the primary religions and cultural traditions of antiquity are literally immortalized. Despite the fact that civilization is increasingly crowding out tribes with an old way of life, they still believe in witchcraft, in the close relationship of the world of the dead with the world of the living.
For communication with perfumes, statuettes, various accessories, tombs are widely used. Fetishism is of great importance not only for any tribe. This applies to the whole nation. Sorcerers are the main seers and arbiters of fate. It is possible that such a cult of personality is not known to these peoples. But the cult of the sorcerer there clearly takes place still.
Reasons for the emergence of a personality cult
Where did this phenomenon come from and why? It is obvious that the cult of personality develops favorably where power becomes the main goal of the ruler of the country. This "disease", fortunately, does not affect all those in power. However, it is perfectly developing and striking in a society where there are a lot of unrooted people, the so-called marginalized people, who are also poor. These people are always dissatisfied with everything, they are experiencing aggression in relation to the whole world. It is in such a society that the cult of personality is born. Such people are easy to manipulate, satisfying their desires. Masses of people fall under the influence of an influential person with signs of "God's chosen people." By subjugating the marginalized, management becomes easier and easier.
As a rule, the causes of the personality cult lie also in the crisis in which the country was at that time. Rising prices, rampant crime, unrest cause the desire and need for a strong ruling hand. And such is always found. So Adolf Hitler came to power. However, having received the desired, the leader becomes a tyrant and despot.
Cult of personality of statesmen
The personality cult has never yet ended in something positive for the country where it was formed. What is a personality cult for Russia? This is the era of Lenin, Stalin, which led to the deaths of millions of people. All those who disagree and oppose the regime ruthlessly wiped themselves off the face of the Earth, regardless of their position and social status. Hitler came to power thanks to the slogans that were popular, promising his nation the golden mountains.
Stalin, on the other hand, took the lead, skillfully beating all competitors. He cleaned everyone who could interfere with him, and created a retinue of the most faithful and trusted people near him. And his subjects helped to create the image of the firm, wise, infallible father of the entire Soviet people.
