This article discusses the 1978 mass murder-suicide of 911 people in Jonestown, Guyana. The author describes similiar incidents & experiments which have shown that many people will allow themselves to be directed to do anything, including violence against themselves or others. Reasons why humans are so suggestible are outlined, for example, early learning and socialization experiences. Cults & suspension of critical thinking can also be due to a need for firm values & belonging. (VM)