Made Up Mind Staff 11/18/25 Made Up Mind Staff 11/18/25

Why We Ask: The History and Psychology of the Rhetorical Question

Ever asked a question just to make a point? Discover the fascinating history of the rhetorical question, from Ancient Greek oratory to modern media traps, and learn to master this silent persuader.

Made Up Mind Staff 11/11/25 Made Up Mind Staff 11/11/25

The Voice of Certainty: Why We Listen When Others Command

Unlock the secrets of the "Voice of God." Explore how the authoritative tone evolved from royal decrees to modern media, and learn to wield this linguistic power with strategy and integrity.

Made Up Mind Staff 10/28/25 Made Up Mind Staff 10/28/25

Beyond "Father" and "Your Holiness": The Hidden Power of Sacred Titles

Why do specific titles command instant respect? Explore the fascinating history and psychological impact of reverential address—from ancient sacred rites to modern media—and learn to navigate the "grammar of deference" with confidence.

Made Up Mind Staff 10/21/25 Made Up Mind Staff 10/21/25

The Binary Trap: The Power of Promise and Threat Language

Discover the "if/then" of human persuasion. We trace Promise and Threat language from ancient covenants to modern ads, revealing how this binary rhetoric shapes our choices and how you can master it.

Made Up Mind Staff 10/14/25 Made Up Mind Staff 10/14/25

From Ancient Psalms to Modern Myths: The Evolution of Allegory

Discover the "invisible software" of language. From Plato’s Cave to modern politics, explore how metaphors and allegories bridge the gap between abstract thoughts and our visceral, everyday reality.

Made Up Mind Staff 9/16/25 Made Up Mind Staff 9/16/25

Who Is "We"? How Language Creates Unity, Division, and Control

Ever wonder about the power behind the word "we"? We explore how collective identity framing is used to unite, divide, and persuade in everything from political rallies to simple family dinners.

Made Up Mind Staff 9/9/25 Made Up Mind Staff 9/9/25

"Honesty is the best policy." But is it really?

That moral lesson you learned as a kid? It started as a shrewd political tactic. Explore the secret history and modern impact of "Honesty is the best policy" and the hidden power it holds.

Made Up Mind Staff 8/26/25 Made Up Mind Staff 8/26/25

Weaponized Feelings: Understanding Persuasion, Manipulation, and the Language of Emotion

From Aristotle’s pathos to the classic guilt trip, “After everything I’ve done for you…”, we explore the power of emotional appeals—and how to recognize when they're being used on you.

Made Up Mind Staff 8/19/25 Made Up Mind Staff 8/19/25

If You Read This, Then You'll Understand: Mastering the Art of the Conditional

From ancient Stoic logic to the code running your phone, discover the hidden power of "if-then." We explore how this simple phrase secretly shapes our world, structuring our arguments and decisions every day.

Made Up Mind Staff 8/12/25 Made Up Mind Staff 8/12/25

Why "We've Always Done It This Way" Is a Dangerous Phrase

From family rituals to political rhetoric, the appeal to tradition shapes our world. Discover when this powerful argument is a source of wisdom and when it’s simply a barrier to progress.

Mercy Mutemi 8/5/25 Mercy Mutemi 8/5/25

Deconstructing "Because I Said So"

It’s more than a parental comeback. We trace the deep history and psychological power of “Because I said so,” from ancient households to the modern workplace, to uncover its true meaning and impact.

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