Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination
by Eugen O. Chirovici
No club is reading this yet — be the first to start one
Eugen O. Chirovici has tried not only to describe a number of major historic events, but also to explain how the rumors that influenced them came into being and to account for the collective desires or fears that nurtured them. Merely to conclude that the human mind has always been vulnerable to rumors, sometimes with lethal consequences, is not enough; it is important to understand not only what happens, but also why it happens. For at least three reasons, Chirovici thinks that it is important—particularly in this era of explosive development in mass communications—to understand the complex mechanisms whereby rumors emerge and spread.
The first is that history has taught us that in certain circumstances rumors can be extremely dangerous, being employed as tools of manipulation, disinformation, and propaganda. The second relates to a deeper understanding of the way in which the most recent inventions—the Internet, social networks, digital landscape—affect and will go on affecting our lives; the virtual world is a historically unprecedented vehicle for the dissemination of rumors. And the third has to do with the wider and more nebulous idea of progress. In other words, are we less vulnerable to rumors today than we were, for example, in the Middle Ages?
Discuss Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination with other readers
Join or start a book club for Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Rumors That Changed the World: A History of Violence and Discrimination with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.