Going Clear by Lawrence Wright Summary
Overview of Going Clear
Pulitzer Prize-winner Lawrence Wright exposes Scientology's dark secrets, from Hollywood celebrity recruitment to alleged abuse. The book sparked HBO's controversial documentary, revealed Tom Cruise's involvement, and prompted Oscar-winner Paul Haggis to publicly denounce the church. What powerful forces tried silencing this explosive investigation?
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Key takeaways
When Science Fiction Became Scripture
What happens when a struggling pulp writer discovers that religion pays better than fiction? In 1949, L. Ron Hubbard allegedly told fellow science fiction writers at a gathering, "If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." Whether or not he actually said this, he certainly proved the concept. Within a year, his book *Dianetics* became a bestseller, promising to cure everything from asthma to psychosis in less than twenty hours. Within a decade, he'd transformed his self-help method into a full-fledged religion with devoted followers willing to sign billion-year contracts. Today, Scientology claims millions of members worldwide, though independent surveys suggest closer to 25,000 in America. Yet its influence far exceeds its numbers, bolstered by Hollywood's biggest stars and approximately $1 billion in liquid assets. How did a man who couldn't pay his sailors or pass his college engineering courses create a belief system that still attracts intelligent, successful people - and why do so many who leave describe it as a dangerous cult?
The Mythmaker: Hubbard's Life of Embellishment and Transformation
The Mystical Experience and Birth of Dianetics
From Dianetics to Scientology: Rebranding Salvation and the Sea Organization
The Paranoid Prophet and Miscavige's Power Grab
Tom Cruise and the Machinery of Celebrity Influence
The Defectors: When Believers Walk Away and the Question That Remains
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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