Jon Atack

Born in the cathedral city of Lichfield, UK, Jon Atack has always been fascinated with the intricate workings of the human mind. He draws his unique perspective and streetwise, yet compassionate, wisdom from hundreds of interviews with the survivors of undue influence in a career spanning over three decades. Widely acclaimed in academic circles not only for his talents as a historian and researcher, but also his sharp wit and social insight, he honed his skills while deconstructing the...See more

Born in the cathedral city of Lichfield, UK, Jon Atack has always been fascinated with the intricate workings of the human mind. He draws his unique perspective and streetwise, yet compassionate, wisdom from hundreds of interviews with the survivors of undue influence in a career spanning over three decades. Widely acclaimed in academic circles not only for his talents as a historian and researcher, but also his sharp wit and social insight, he honed his skills while deconstructing the labyrinthine net of lies surrounding cult leader Ron Hubbard. Having devoted much of his life to helping former Scientologists recover their mental equilibrium and spiritual independence, he has since turned his attention to the wider problems of unethical persuasion, not only in abusive groups but in our culture at large. To this end, he spearheaded the Open Minds Foundation in 2015, and is working to educate the public on the social manipulation we all face in our daily lives. He lives in a quiet village near Nottingham, England, where, following Voltaire's advice, he cultivates his garden, and also his four children and one grandchild - Spike Robinson. See less