This is a stark assertion that shifts the focus of conflict away from traditional battlegrounds and onto the realm of perception and information. In the modern era, control isn't just about physical territory; it's about controlling narratives, emotions, and public opinion.
Manipulation targets our psychological vulnerabilities—our fears, biases, and desires—to influence behavior and decision-making without direct force. This plays out across politics, media, and even commerce. The key defense against this tactic, as implied by the wisdom that precedes it (like the need to think and question), is critical awareness and intellectual self-defense.
What do you see as the most common tool for manipulation in today's environment?