That was perhaps the greatest gift QAnon could offer its adherents. Man’s desire for meaning was intrinsic and intoxicating; famed psychiatrist Viktor Frankl had called it the primary motivation of human existence. It was also elusive—only one in four American adults had a strong sense of life purpose—and the pursuit had led some down dark paths. Extremist groups, cults, and many a religious grifter were masters in making their followers feel righteous and special. Conspiracy theories could do the same: By identifying villains to unite against, they gave believers a chance to feel like they
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