Re: I, Manipulator!

Manipulate is a curious word, somewhat scurrilous one might say. To create implies to manifest wonderment, to alter (in a perfectly benevolent sense) perception/reality for the good of you/I/us/all. Manipulation recalls coercion, which in turn insinuates deceit.

Hm, pulling flowers out of the air, or a coin from behind the ear of a young child...or, "look what I can do" syndrome.

But! We assume that manipulate is a not entirely positive term, and perhaps this is our downfall. It is merely a word after all, and our perception of it is based on our symbolic interpretation. In a more positive light, manipulate may mean to mold, to reconstitute, to improve, to enjoy... Tweet