If we understand the mechanism and motives of the group mind, is it now possible to control and regiment the masses according to our will without the… - Edward Bernays

The engineering of consent is the very essence of the democratic process, the freedom to persuade and suggest.

The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society.

The best place to find things: the public library.