Sharon Gans Horn started an “innocent” group in Manhattan to study the works of Russian philosopher George Gurdjelf. Her and her husband recruited among members of New York and Boston’s high society, intellectuals, and wealthy. What started as Odyssey Study Group became a cult around one single figure Sharon Gans. She demanded 100% loyalty, monthly membership dues, and exerted unbelievable control over the lives of the groups members. This control included demands of some members to divorce their spouse and marry another, orders to have an affair, and even to adopt another member’s children.
The Good:
- Interesting philosopher that had some good ideas
The Bad:
- High control demands like divorce, adoption, and having an affair
The Culty (is there anything in this cult worth incorporating into our own?):
- Sacred geometry?
- The Nice Cult is going to hold a yearly dance at the end of summer (date to be announced). At the dance, we’re going to have a VIP section for those who can afford it (we’ll give you the whole Tom Cruise treatment 🙂
Sources:
George Gurdjelf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gurdjieff
Odyssey Study Group: https://culteducation.com/group/1190-odyssey-study-group-osg-fourth-way-school.html
General Info about Sharon Gans; https://nypost.com/2022/07/09/odyssey-study-group-cult-still-going-strong-after-sharon-gans-death/
