The definition of the word manipulate is: To control or play upon the artful, unfair, or insidious means to one’s own advantage. The other word that caught my attention was enable which means: To provide with the means or opportunity to make possible, practical or easy.  In life, we all have to use these human traits to manipulate through what we call society to our advantage. This usually comes from the top of the social ladder to those who survive on the bottom fringes. A person who facilitates the self-destructive behavior of another is referred to as an enabler. The rich cannot enjoy their wealth without those they pay low wages to service their exclusive lifestyles.

We all play mind games with those who we come in contact on a regular basis. Whatever it takes to acquire our wants or needs either by intimidation or flattery the desire to control another person or group for personal benefit is as old as humanity itself. Once a system is set up to reach the desired goal from the targeted groups to be manipulated a second system is needed to facilitate the empowerment or self-destructive behavior of that group. Drug dealers are a good example of those with power over the users of their products.

There will always exist in each society those that want to control others through any means necessary, and those willing to be controlled. The choice to be the hunter or the prey is not always a personal decision. It is sometimes forced on us by our life circumstances.