Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Hubbard was a master of embellishment and even better at making people want to believe his stories because why else would this nice charismatic man lie about such things right but why money in power but why why" — Marcus Parks
"The entire way of growing up before creating the first version of Dianetics this has been on his mind since the very beginning right he's always been obsessed with money and power he was very frank about it to his insiders because in the end he said it all you know the end justifies the means" — Ben Kissel
"He had a very intense superiority complex since he was a little kid he started lying to himself within his journals he would write about adventures and shit that he was doing to lying to himself from a very early age which is actually a weird primitive form of chaos magic" — Marcus Parks
The episode begins by recounting the hosts' personal anecdotes, including Henry's thumb injury, before transitioning to the life of L. Ron Hubbard. It details his early life, emphasizing his alleged habit of fabricating stories about his adventures and accomplishments. The narrative explores his early career as a science fiction writer, highlighting how this provided a platform for him to craft an image of a worldly and experienced individual. The hosts suggest that Hubbard's claims of unique experiences, such as encounters with indigenous leaders and extensive travels, were a deliberate construction to build credibility.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Hubbard's involvement with Jack Parsons, a rocket scientist and occultist. Their shared interest in rituals and the occult is examined, particularly their involvement in the "Moon Child" ritual. The hosts suggest that Hubbard used this association to further enhance his mystique and influence, while simultaneously engaging in personal manipulation, such as stealing Parsons' girlfriend. The episode further dissects Hubbard's fabricated military career, pointing out discrepancies and exaggerations in his claimed achievements and decorations during World War II.
The podcast also touches upon Hubbard's early attempts at entrepreneurship and his alleged scamming of veterans for financial gain through feigned ailments. It is suggested that his ability to manipulate others and create convincing narratives, even when based on falsehoods, was a consistent theme throughout his life, culminating in the creation of Dianetics and, subsequently, Scientology. The overarching narrative portrays Hubbard as a charismatic con artist who meticulously built a persona of authority and wisdom through storytelling and deception, setting the stage for his later impact on the world.