I think there is a big difference between influencing, manipulating, and controlling.
When you influence someone, you are trying to get them to change something about themselves, but they ultimately have the choice.
When you manipulate someone, you either lie or withhold the truth to get someone to change themselves, giving them the false illusion of choice.
When you control someone, you force them to change. Rather than leaving it to them to decide, you actually make them do it.
I believe that influencing people is a good thing, but manipulation and control are generally very bad things to do to someone.
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