Yes, you are paranoid

 

Edward Dutton discusses conspiracy theory and real conspiracies in this surprisingly entertaining clip. 

Yes, there is some evidence (go figure) that people who believe in truly outlandish conspiracy scenarios could indeed be paranoid, schizotypal, narcissistic and/or have low IQ. Dunning Kruger is another factor. But then, just because you´re paranoid doesn´t mean they´re not out to get you, right? 

Indeed, conspiracies do in fact happen, but they tend to be relatively open. Or so Dutton believes. The so-called Round Table around Cecil Rhodes, the Focus Group featuring Winston Churchill, and Tony Blair´s transformation of the Labour Party into New Labour are examples of such. He also mentions Carroll Quigley´s book "Tragedy and Hope". 

Dutton speculates that one reason these facts aren´t more well known is that we don´t want to hear them, since they prove that we *can* change politics our way...provided we are extremely smart and privileged. Which most of us aren´t. Presumably, it´s better to be in denial...or believe in UFOs.