Words are contagious

Since words are not a type of illness or disease, how are words contagious? The answer becomes obvious when we listen to religious leaders, teachers, parents and political figures. We experience the power of words when reading a book but it's the influential nature of spoken words that can contaminate people.

Two commonly understood examples are cults and dictatorships. Cult leaders and dictators use words to attract and secure followers. And followers they are! Once a person commits to a cult or dictatorship, and its leader, the person becomes a true believer. A true believer follows the lead...