What cranks truly crave is the exhilarating sense of independence, control, and superiority that come from declaring oneself a self-sufficient intellectual force. Conspiracism is a natural outlet for this craving since conspiracy theories always exist in opposition to come received truth that enjoys the blessing of experts, and because the associated claims are regarded as daring and controversial.
— Jonathan Kay, Among the Truthers: A Journey Through America’s Growing Conspiracist Underground
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