The Influence of Manipulation

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Control is the name, and manipulation is the game. As human beings, our very nature is egotistic, prioritizing our own wants and needs before all else. We discover ways to compel others into helping us fulfill our desires. As if life is just a show and we are the puppet master, pulling all the strings to run the show; using everybody we meet as a marionette in order to reach the greatest goal of benefitting ourselves. Manipulation can be used as a tool to influence the thoughts, feelings, and actions of an individual.
It’s as if somebody is whispering in your ear, compelling you to believe in something totally absurd. It’s as if an unknown force is pushing you toward a direction you wouldn’t have even thought of. It’s as if a strange silhouette is leading you down a path you didn’t choose. It’s as if a compass in your innermost being, is directing you toward an undesignated location. It’s as if a gripping force is driving you to the brink of insanity. It’s as if your thoughts aren’t your thoughts, and your actions aren’t your actions… but they are… aren’t they? Unless of course, they aren’t; unless there have been outer forces, planting their ideas, influencing your thoughts, and controlling your actions without your own knowledge. You might not even think this is possible, I, as well, doubted the sincerity of it. I liked to believe that I was in charge of my own mind; I did not believe in manipulation. I did not believe, until my own family had proven me wrong.
I remember it best by a game of Monopoly. My cousin and I were acting as a couple of real tycoons and together, we owned about 80% of the whole board. We were monopolizing every house, building, and railroad on the market. We were indeed a team; however, by the end of t...

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