The concept of “brainwashing” has been used as synonymous with mind control. Loads of unwanted mental states are supposed to be result of that. As if they would not exist without the conscious control of others. Or that conscious control would even be possible. It does not help the concept has become far too diluted. I have seen people call it “brainwashing” to make someone change opinion on some specific subject. Then one equals the opinion on something with a personality trait. I don’t consider it as this.
A limited form of brainwashing exists in reality. However, it does not at all happen as people imagine. It is not enough with indoctrination. The process involves torture and forced isolation. Moreover, people vary in how easily it can be done. Young and mentally weak individuals can be brainwashed in a couple of days. But it took several weeks to brainwash the archbishop of Hungary. Afterwards it was obvious he was unwell. Not due to the content of what he then said. But due to the behaviour which he otherwise showed.
The real form of brainwashing does not replace personality traits. It only makes the person willing to say or do anything. Naturally it is only the things the person is capable of. It does not provide superhuman ability like some ascribe to others. To the opposite the person is weakened both mentally and physically. Instead it is an extreme and very painful form of psychological manipulation. The effect does not last forever either. Say the brainwashed returns to his or her previous social environment. Then the effect of brainwashing will gradually disappear. To remote-control someone years later is simply not possible.
Brainwashing was invented by Ivan Pavlov on the behalf of Vladimir Ulyanov. Ivan believed the human mind to only consist of external behaviour. So he could very well have believed that he had replaced mental characteristics. At a shallow glance it may also appear so. Especially of one is willing to believe it is possible. However, as I have pointed out above the effect does not have to be permanent. Individuals which have recovered have eventually confessed that they only imitated the brainwasher’s thoughts.
The method was later recreated by Americans in 1953 – 72. The until then secret project was revealed in 1977. To me it is not just interesting what they saw worked. It is at least as interesting what did not work. For example it did not work with only drugs. Neither can one hypnotise someone against the person’s will. Hypnosis requires willingness to cooperate that can’t be enforced.
Uploaded on the 21st of July 2026 .
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