Manipulation Dark Psychology to Manipulate and Control People

Defining Manipulation
Concluding this chapter, it is now possible to create a suitable and helpful
definition of manipulation for the purposes of this book.
Manipulation is a form of intentional influence, characterized as an
attempt, by a person or party (the manipulator), to change the
behavior of another person or party (the target), typically with a view
to achieving a goal in the manipulator’s interests.
There is no nefarious implication, nor is it specified whether or not the
manipulator is acting in, against, or with no regard for the interests of the
target. All are possible. This achieves a definition of manipulation which is
not constrained by subjective ethical ideas. Although that doesn’t mean you
should abandon your morals as well!
This definition is useful because it is objective and clear. Also, it is helpful
because, in this book, you will learn techniques for manipulation that will
help you to achieve your goals. In that respect, it would be a mistake to
exclude persuasion, which absolutely can play an important role in
manipulation and is inextricable from the advice in this book.
Two problems remain, however. The first relates to “intended influence.”
Intent is difficult because it implies responsibility. In actual fact, everyone
manipulates everyone around them all the time, even from a young age. It
would be wrong to exclude a child’s temper tantrum from the umbrella of
manipulation, just because they aren’t old enough to rationalize their
behavior. The same applies to adult temper tantrums, for that matter. Intent,
therefore, does not imply conscious behavior – it can also be instinctive.
This also allows for the, very real, presence of “naturally manipulative”
persons.
The second problem is the disappointingly vague ending: “typically to
achieve a goal in the manipulator’s interests.” Not only is it problematic to
define “the manipulator’s interests,” there is a catch-all ambiguity in the
inclusion of “typically.” This part serves only to create a normalized idea of
manipulation for the purposes of this book and absolutely wouldn’t suit a
more general definition. After all, how can someone perfectly know their

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own interests? It is of course possible to successfully manipulate someone,
and for the result to still be one’s own demise.
The latter problem is addressed during the course of the book, at points
where it happens to be relevant. Despite its flaws, this definition of
manipulation is sufficient for the practical parts of the book.

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