The mid-19th century in America was a time of new popular philosophies about the order of the universe and the individual's place in it. One example is the dawn of Spiritualism: the belief that the spirits of the dead can be contacted, and that they have answers to our urgent questions. In this episode, Grant teaches us about two cases: the prototypical founders of movement, and one of its most bizarre figures. Once a popular movement starts, does it ever really end? How much faith should be put in a prophet that makes a profit? What purpose does debunking serve?

Links!

• Smithsonian Magazine on the Fox sisters

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