Origin of totalitarianism
Origin of totalitarianismTechnology
"The E-Meter sees all, knows all. It is never wrong."
-L. Ron Hubbard, Electropsychometric Auditing Operator's Manual, 1953.78
The Hubbard Electro-psychometer, or E-Meter, has become an indispensable part of Scientology. The E-meter is a device which measures the changes in electrical conductivity of the skin that occur at moments of even slight excitement or emotional stress.79 It is similar to the machine used in giving lie detector tests. The rather crude device consists of two tin cans held by the subject or "preclear."80 The cans are attached to an apparatus with several dials and a small window in which a needle moves, indicating responses by registering the change in electrical resistance of the subject's skin. Scientologists claim the E-meter allows people to "see a thought."81 Originally invented by early Dianetics enthusiast and chiropractor, Volney Mathison, Hubbard eventually patented the device, which proved to be quite a profitable venture.82 Every Scientologist wanted to have his own E-meter and the only place to buy them was from the Hubbard Association of Scientologists. The little gadget would later prove to be an essential tool in Scientology processing.
Scientology processing, or auditing, is a central element of the cult's practices. Auditing usually involves two people: an auditor and a preclear. An auditor is someone trained in applying Scientology techniques and has been through Dianetics processing themselves. The preclear pays to be guided by the auditor through a series of techniques involving the E-meter, which are used to uncover areas of mental distress. The auditor asks questions of the subject, and the movement of the meter's needle is apparently used as a check of the emotional reaction to the questions. According to complex rules and procedures set out in Scientology publications, the auditor can interpret the movements of the needle after certain prescribed questions are asked. These reactions are then used in diagnosing the mental and spiritual condition of the subject.83
During the auditing session, only the auditor sees the movements of the needle. The preclear's role is to answer questions and work to remember painful experiences that have occurred in the past. Interpreting the motions of the needle, the auditor then coaxes the subject to view a mental picture of the supposed event. The idea is that the same E-meter needle reaction will continue until the person has faced up to whatever is being repressed. In this way, the E-meter is essentially used to uncover buried thoughts or experiences on behalf of the subject. The following is a simplified dialogue showing how the E-meter is typically used in Scientology processing-Auditor: "Have you ever stolen anything?" Preclear: "No." Auditor (looking at needle moving): "That reads. What do you consider this could mean?" Preclear (envisioning a past experience): "I'm not sure...Oh yeah, I did steal a candy bar when I was eight years old." Auditor (viewing needle): "That's clear." (moves onto next question).84
Many Scientologists are initially impressed that the auditor can apparently discover what they are...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.