It is always a good idea to re-read Hoffer on this point. But before the baby gets thrown out with the bathwater, let's add that there are many rational and positive reasons for groups, completely aside from the question of whether or not members use them to relive them of the need to think and see for themselves.

Groups naturally run into the remarkable tanglefoot of 'agreements' to greater or lesser degree; but a true group which shares a clear vision of accomplishment can create a great deal of power for the good, whether in technical, social or other arenas. And the generation of that vision kind of stretches the envelope of the article referenced above, which is interesting indeed if a little narrow minded. Beliefs do more than just symbolize states of reality beyond one's immediate perception. They also generate probabilities in individual experience... not the notional beliefs of intellectual operation but the deeper sort which involve the creative energies of the individual in really making up his world-view.

Of course this is a little outside CSICOP's territory, since they only deal with the aftermath of creative energies, learning about fire by smelling ashes. But that's their choice and it keeps them honest.

A