I totally agree with this statement and with the goal of trying to understand how Cults capture human minds, I thought you might find this interesting....especially items 7 and 9.
https://www.onlinepsychologydegree.info/what-to-know-about-the-psychology-of-cults/
Well, seven is sadly evident. So much so that the most radical of those in a cult-like group will invent an enemy (straw-man) when no evidence backs up their claim (usually because they were told - and eventually believe - that anyone not like them or anyone that challenges their claims/beliefs are - fill in the blank with some usually ridiculous claims painting their worst vision of a boogeyman).
Funny thing is, I could likely easily mollify a cultist by just playing along with their pretenses and beliefs, but I'm an honest and forthright soul. I also don't want to be responsible, partly or otherwise, for the growth of the tumor the cult like behavior is on the rest of society. The danger they present to themselves is just as bad if not worse than it is to others, which the cultist refuses to believe or acknowledge. And the calmer you are with them the more irate they get.
So, yes, it's kind of a waste of time to calmly reason with them. But when they go 'coo coo for coco puffs' in public it might, just maybe, turn off those who aren't otherwise paying attention or are sitting precariously on the fence. (Or reveal who else drinks the Kool-Aid).
