Written by: Noel Liemam on April 27, 2025

Introduction:

To sum up my thought of ‘modern ideologies’ in a sentence I would say that it is the modern underpinnings of cultural, economic and political system of the modern period. It is what our modern way of life is based upon and revolves around. I could even say that it is what we value today that based our actions on it, or by it. And this is definitely changing from the feudalism, or the traditionalism.

Within my Micronesian context, our elders are still talking about traditional cultures – the structures of doing things, the beliefs, and what we value. One of the most common values that is deeply held is the traditional leaders of clans. Individualism is gaining popularity as a better alternative than the traditional structure. This is how I would think of modern ideologies in my Micronesian context.

Concepts From the Parasitic Mind.

Through the ‘Parasitic Mind,’ Saad argue that ‘idea pathogens’ has plagued our society and there we need to immune ourselves, and to fight against it. “Unlike other pandemics where biological pathogens are to blame, the current culprit is composed of bad ideas, spawned on university campuses, that chip away at our edifices of reasons, freedom, and individual dignity.” [1]

Concept #1- beware of the ‘idea pathogens.’ These idea pathogens have penetrated our lives in many aspects. They can be seen in our daily lives, in our political system, in business, and throughout our cultures. And the most dangerous aspect of it is that it started in the academia.[2] Academia should be a place where research and discovery, synthesis and creativity, understanding and engagement [3] for the betterment of society. Instead, these idea pathogens have already been widespread and taken control over millions of minds and souls [4] in almost every setting.

Concept #2 – These idea pathogens are likened to parasites. These idea pathogens are composed of though patterns, belief systems, attitudes, and mindsets that act like parasites by taking control of host and affecting their proper function.[5] Saad continued by addressing the following as the idea pathogens: postmodernism, radical feminism, cultural relativism, and identity politics.

After ‘Parasitic Mind’ What do I think of Modern Ideologies

After my inspectional reading of ‘Parasitic Mind.’ I realized that What I had envisioned about modern ideologies is different. The first was a misconception that I thought changes would be for the better. I used to think that from traditional to modernism is an improvement, but no, modernism has its flaws as well. As Saad said, “it started with a well-intentioned in mind, but changed.” [6]

The second is new way of looking modern ideologies in the context of postmodernism, radical feminism, cultural relativism, identity politics, and the others. If these are the elements of modern ideologies, how are we, especially leaders, navigate lead our followers through this chaotic environment.

There were ‘5 Key Takeaways from the Parasitic Mind.’ [7] And they are as follows”

1. Be aware of The Danger of Idea Pathogens
2. Use ‘The Lifeline of Free Speech’ to combat these pathogens
3. Postmodernism as a breeding ground idea pathogen
4. Social media Amplifies idea pathogens
5. ‘The Evolutionary Psychology’s Insight’ which is how we are build, makes us vulnerable.

[1] Saad, Gad. The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense. (P. XI). Skyhorse Publishing. Kindle Edition.

[2] Ibid (p. 69)

[3] Rosowsky, David. The Role of Research at Universities: Why It Matters. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrosowsky/2022/03/02/the-role-of-research-at-universities-why-it-matters/. Accessed April 26, 2025.

[4] Saad, Gad. The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sens (p. XIV). Skyhorse Publishing. Kindle Edition.

[5] Ibid (p. 17).

[6] Ibid.

[7] Key Lessons from the Parasitic Mind: Book Summary. https://www.zenqura.com/key-lessons-from-the-parasitic-mind/. Accessed April 26, 2025.

About the Author

Noel Liemam