The Power of Words. Part 1

How is the manipulation of consciousness carried out?

How can someone make a person see and understand reality exactly as the manipulator desires?

What are the peculiarities of human thinking and perception that come into play during manipulation?

It's clear that the details of specific manipulation techniques undergo constant revision (the same manipulation cannot work indefinitely and yield the same desired results) and change in accordance with new scientific discoveries, the emergence of new technologies—from the demagogic speeches of orators in Ancient Greece to contemporary social media influencers. However, the fundamental principles that form the basis for the potential of manipulation remain unchanged.

As you may know, humans perceive the world through things and signs.

Objects belong to the material world, while signs pertain to their reflection in the human mind. Each object has a name, but its reflection in memory and the internal world of a person can be entirely different.

Furthermore, different perspectives can be applied to each object of the material world, naming its form, material, and function, which may or may not coincide with each other. Emotional aspects also play a role in giving meaning to things.

For example, a school uniform is not just clothing worn to school; it also represents a certain age, a nostalgic childhood memory that everyone shares.

Thus, any object can become a sign or symbol detached from its material aspect.

In this context, the most dominant system for understanding reality is language—a multitude of words that transform into concepts, which in turn give rise to our thoughts and judgments.

Researchers refer to this world of words as the "logosphere."

The suggestibility through the power of words is a profound aspect of human psychology that predated analytical thinking.

Initially, words had a suggestive effect that influenced emotions rather than rational thought.

This occurs in early childhood, where no logical justification is required for promises or prohibitions, such as when a child is told, "Mom won't allow it" or "Mom will come soon." These statements remain unchallenged in a child's mind, free from doubt or criticism.

In this case, children do not primarily perceive words but rather the "precursors to words," including various sounds, intonations, and essentially the "language of the body."

Magical rituals among ancient and primitive peoples were often based on the suggestive perception of words. Their leaders and shamans could produce specific symbolic sounds that alleviated neurotic states in ancient humans while also compelling them to perform particular actions: go into battle, lie in ambush, induce a festive euphoria, or invoke fear.

This is how the function of words that govern suggestibility and not information came into being.

The suggestive function of words does not persuade an individual based on the content of the message but influences them to undertake certain actions.

This function of words has a vital role in provoking conflict, regardless of the content of the message. It is widespread in daily life and collective activities.

Moreover, it is frequently depicted in films about serial killers, where the killer is provoked by a particular word or phrase to an even greater level of agitation.

As human civilization has developed, the suggestive function of words has not disappeared in propaganda or manipulation.

"Great masses of people always fall under the spell of words," Adolf Hitler acknowledged.

Analyzing his speeches, researchers concluded that the majority of his speeches constituted a nearly senseless collection of words interspersed with suggestive slogans and appeals.

While suggestive influence on people's consciousness is crucial, it's insufficient for long-term manipulation leading to distortions or alterations in one's worldview.

This is when we delve into the realms of consciousness and knowledge.

The philosopher Bacon believed that knowledge is power, and the pursuit of knowledge essentially implies a thirst for power.

The British banker Nathan Rothschild coined the phrase: "He who owns the information, owns the world."

Even today, in modern times, we can observe how insufficient or, conversely, excessive or false information about anything drives not only individuals but entire communities to actions that significantly alter, and typically worsen, the current state of affairs.

For instance, recall the reports of Saddam Hussein possessing weapons of mass destruction that served as the justification for the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Even though this information was later debunked, it led to protracted, blood-soaked wars.

Returning to the concept of language and its functions, it's essential to note that in the 18th century, the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier initiated the study of the analytical function of language.

He asserted, "The analytical method is language; language is the analytical method; the analytical method and language are synonymous."

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world," declared Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein in his "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus," thereby indicating that the world and language reflect one another.

In his view, language is a literal reconstruction of reality—not just of one possible world but of all possible worlds.

Reality is perceived and conveyed through language, which "reconstructs" it within itself, thus creating a world's image and a particular culture. In essence, language constructs reality, projecting this reality into society.

The meanings of words consist of images formed as a result of associative connections with words.

Language serves as more than just an object of study; it is also an instrument that shapes the thoughts of the speaker. It aids in understanding the world, self-transformation, and influencing others.

People who speak different languages perceive the world and the phenomena around them differently.

Language exists in an inseparable unity with the world/culture of the people who speak it. It mirrors culture, reflecting not only the real world surrounding an individual but also the people's worldview, customs, traditions, morality, value systems, everyday culture, national characteristics, everyday behavior, habits, and the mimetic and pantomimic codes associated with them, used by the speakers of a particular language.

This is why manipulating public consciousness is often linked to the creation of a new, artificial language and a new conceptual framework...

To be continued.

#manipulation #words #psychology