Exploring the Influence of Manipulative Individuals on Their Followers

Manipulative individuals attract those who have an affinity for them and self-select followers who are willing to deny reality to cater to their desires. They manipulate by making people believe absurdities, leading them to commit atrocities or compromise their values for the manipulative individual's benefit. Followers who can be manipulated and debased are preferred, while those who resist eventually become a problem. This selection process is seen in various historical figures and contemporary examples like Trump and Musk. Individuals who have worked for manipulative figures often lack the pattern recognition to identify the manipulative behavior until they gain broader experiences. Recognizing the tactics of manipulative individuals can provide valuable insights into understanding their actions and motivations, aiding in navigating similar situations in the future.