"Propaganda" by: Edward Bernays (1928)

Propaganda is a foundational work on mass influence and psychological manipulation, written by Edward Bernays, the father of modern public relations. Published in 1928, the book outlines how governments, corporations, and media shape public opinion through strategic messaging, emotional appeal, and subconscious influence techniques.

Bernays argues that the masses are not rational thinkers, but rather easily guided by those who understand the mechanics of persuasion. He details how propaganda can be used not just in politics, but in advertising, business, and social movements to mold society’s beliefs and behaviors. His ideas - rooted in Freudian psychology and wartime propaganda strategies - laid the groundwork for modern marketing, political campaigns, and media control.

More than just a historical text, Propaganda remains a playbook for those in power, showing how perception can be manufactured, trends can be created, and people can be led to believe they made independent choices when, in reality, they were carefully guided toward them. Whether you see it as a warning or a manual, it’s essential reading for understanding the invisible forces shaping public thought.

About the Author:
Edward Bernays (1891–1995) was a pioneer in public relations, mass persuasion, and psychological manipulation, often called the "Father of Public Relations." A nephew of Sigmund Freud, he applied Freudian psychology to marketing and propaganda, shaping the way governments, corporations, and media influence public opinion.

Born in Vienna, Austria, and later moving to the United States, Bernays worked on wartime propaganda for the U.S. government during World War I, helping to promote America’s role in the war effort. After seeing how effective propaganda was, he realized it could be weaponized in peacetime, using subtle psychological tactics to control public perception.

Bernays pioneered modern advertising and PR techniques, orchestrating campaigns that made bacon and eggs a "traditional American breakfast", convinced women to smoke Lucky Strikes by branding cigarettes as symbols of female empowerment, and introduced the concept of "press events" to generate artificial demand for products. His ideas also influenced politicians, intelligence agencies, and corporate elites, many of whom used his strategies to shape public behavior without people realizing they were being manipulated.

His book Propaganda (1928) remains one of the most influential works on mass persuasion, laying the foundation for modern political campaigns, corporate branding, and media control. Whether seen as a genius or a manipulator, Bernays reshaped the modern world - often behind the scenes - by teaching those in power how to engineer consent.