When Prophecy Fails

By: Leon Festinger, Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter

Narrated by: Warren Keyes

Originally published in 1956, When Prophecy Fails is a psychological study of a UFO cult and their belief of an apocalypse. It discusses the psychological dissonance experienced when the prophesied date passes with no event.

©1956 Leon Festinger (P)2021 Yashiki Audio

Fascinating

The account of the the study was more engaging than I had expected. I have listened several times to understand the different components better. So applicable to modern life, especially qanon and evangelical thinking. I personally found the narrator’s weird noises when he messed up comical and charming but I can see how it could irritate other listeners.

Relevant in today's credulous world.

This is where the term 'cognitive dissonance' evolved and it is this the true believers flail to tamp down, ignoring facts, science, evidence and\or all reason. Start here if you want to understand why Fox audiences and Jehovah's Witnesses are zombies when it comes to the myths they cling to

Fascinating, but outakes were left in audiobook!

The story was fascinating and written like a polished mystery novel, but the outakes of the audiobook were left in this recording. You'll suddenly hear the reader clear his throat and say "beep beep" and reread the sentence.

An incredibly well done analysis

This goes on my shelf where I keep books that have changed my thinking. Crowds and Power by Elias Canetti; Darwin’s dangerous idea by Daniel dennett. This is such a striking series of observations and applicable to so many current situations it should be taught in schools