The Persuaders

Almost every hour of every day, people will try to change your mind — and they don’t want you to notice, because none of it consists in giving you good reasons. You are nudged, anchored, and incentivized. Products are designed with the help of neuromarketing to appeal to unconscious minds; the taste of food is improved merely by brand association. Covert PR can start wars — the emotional testimony of fifteen year-old Nayirah which helped the case for the first Gulf War was assembled by PR firm Hill and Knowlton. Book covers adorned wi...