manipulation

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“The overriding element in chronic psychological manipulation is always an issue of power and control. Manipulators are driven by a need for power and control over every situation. In some cases, this can arise from past trauma… In more devious circumstances, it is a method of controlling others for outcomes like personal leverage, a need to feel better than everyone else, a bid for attention, or a desire to have an advantage.”

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donotdestroy:

“Gaslighting often involves a loss of personal identity. Over time, you may begin to feel like you’ve changed beyond recognition or become numb and hollow. Living in a constant state of nervousness and worry can leave you with little energy for self-care or your own interests. Yet making time to meet your physical and emotional needs can help you reclaim your energy and hold on to your sense of self. As a result, you may even find it easier to navigate and challenge attempts to gaslight you.”

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I Am Your Father

People who call themselves “Father” without formal religious authority might be perceived as self-important because they are assuming a title that traditionally signifies spiritual leadership, wisdom, and authority. Here are some reasons why this can come across as self-important:

  1. Claiming Authority Without Recognition – In established religious traditions, “Father” is a title earned through ordination. When someone uses it without being part of a recognized institution, it can seem like they are elevating themselves without legitimate backing.
  2. Seeking Influence – Some individuals adopt the title to gain followers or exert influence over others, positioning themselves as a source of wisdom or spiritual guidance.
  3. Creating a Persona – Some may use “Father” as part of a self-styled image to appear more enlightened, powerful, or special compared to ordinary people.
  4. Manipulation or Cult Behavior – In extreme cases, self-proclaimed religious leaders use the title to control or manipulate others, demanding loyalty and obedience.

Of course, not everyone who calls themselves “Father” without official status is necessarily self-important. Some might do it for harmless personal reasons or cultural traditions. However, when someone adopts a title that implies authority without earning it through recognized means, it can raise questions about their motivations.

By ChatGPT

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“If we understand the mechanisms and motives of the group mind, it is now possible to control and regiment the masses according to our will without their knowing it. In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.”

— Edward Bernays

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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. …In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons… who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.

– Propaganda (1928) pp. 9–10

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“Gaslighting often involves a loss of personal identity. Over time, you may begin to feel like you’ve changed beyond recognition or become numb and hollow. Living in a constant state of nervousness and worry can leave you with little energy for self-care or your own interests. Yet making time to meet your physical and emotional needs can help you reclaim your energy and hold on to your sense of self. As a result, you may even find it easier to navigate and challenge attempts to gaslight you.”

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“The best way to manipulate a man is to make him think he’s manipulating you.”

— John Smith