The Disease of Control: The Modern Affliction of Manipulation and Entitlement

The Control Freak Epidemic: Why Some People Just Can’t Mind Their Own Damn Business

Author: George Burdette Jr. Affiliation: Independent Researcher, Science and Technology Studies Contact Information: [email protected] | 520-627-6531

Throughout history, there has been an insidious affliction that has woven itself into the fabric of human interactions: the desire to control, to manipulate the lives of others under the illusion that one knows what is best for them. This phenomenon is not merely an individual failing; it is a social disease that has repeatedly led to the oppression of free will, the suppression of personal autonomy, and, at its worst, widespread suffering.

In the modern world, this desire to control has reached new heights. We see it manifest in government overreach, corporate influence, media manipulation, and even personal relationships. The belief that one’s personal worldview should be imposed upon others, whether through law, social pressure, or force, is a corrosive ideology that erodes the foundation of individual liberty. It is a symptom of entitlement, a delusion that convinces the afflicted that they possess superior knowledge and intelligence, rendering the autonomy of others secondary to their own judgment.

The Social Epidemic of Control

Recent global events have highlighted the pervasiveness of this issue. From pandemic lockdowns to censorship of dissenting voices, the assumption that the few know better than the many has been exercised with alarming frequency. Governments have enforced sweeping mandates that dictate how people should live, work, and interact, often under the justification of public welfare. While some regulations may be necessary, the sheer volume of coercion raises a question: Where is the line between guidance and authoritarian control?

Corporations, too, have adopted this mindset. The rise of social credit systems, mass surveillance, and censorship by tech giants illustrates the corporate desire to shape public discourse and behavior according to their own interests. Individuals and businesses alike are punished for expressing views that deviate from the accepted narrative, demonstrating a clear attempt to manipulate society into a homogenized model of thought and behavior.

At a personal level, this desire to control seeps into relationships and communities. Parents, partners, and friends may attempt to impose their will on others, believing their perspective is inherently superior. Instead of allowing individuals to make their own choices and learn from their own experiences, they force their expectations onto others, leading to resentment, rebellion, and broken relationships.

The Need for Control

The compulsion to control others often stems from insecurity and fear. Those who feel powerless in their own lives may seek to dominate others as a means of compensating for their own lack of control. This can be seen in abusive relationships, where one partner dictates the actions, thoughts, and even emotions of the other in order to maintain a sense of dominance.

Entitlement also plays a key role. In a world where self-worth is increasingly tied to external validation, many develop the belief that they are owed compliance from those around them. This entitlement is reinforced by social structures that reward control, whether through political power, corporate influence, or social standing.

Additionally, the inability to accept uncertainty contributes to this disease. Life is unpredictable, and for many, the idea that they cannot dictate outcomes is unsettling. Rather than embracing the fluid nature of existence, they attempt to shape the world to fit their own narrative, often at the expense of others’ freedoms.

Opinion and Emotion Over Reason and Logic

This affliction is sustained by emotion and opinion rather than logic and reason. It is rooted in the subjective belief that one’s own perspective is infallible, leading to the dismissal of alternative viewpoints. Logical discourse becomes impossible when control-driven individuals refuse to acknowledge facts that contradict their personal biases.

This is evident in political debates, where emotion-driven arguments often override rational discussions. It is also present in social activism, where outrage is used as a weapon to silence differing opinions rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. The reliance on emotional manipulation rather than logical reasoning only serves to deepen societal divides and perpetuate conflict.

Self-Reflection and Individual Responsibility

To combat this disease, individuals must first recognize it within themselves. Self-awareness is the key to breaking free from the compulsion to control others. Acknowledging that we are not responsible for the actions or decisions of others allows us to release the burden of accountability that does not belong to us.

Redirecting energy toward personal growth and purpose diminishes the need to manipulate those around us. When individuals focus on their own goals and aspirations, they naturally detach from the desire to control others. In doing so, they may come to appreciate the value of personal autonomy and even encourage others to take control of their own lives.

A society that fosters individual responsibility rather than external coercion is one that thrives. When people are empowered to make their own choices and are held accountable for their actions, they develop a sense of purpose and self-reliance. This stands in stark contrast to the oppressive system of forced compliance, which breeds resentment and stagnation.

Rejecting the Disease of Control

The desire to control others is a deep-seated affliction that stems from fear, entitlement, and insecurity. It has manifested in governments, corporations, and personal relationships, leading to widespread suppression of individual freedom. This disease is perpetuated by emotional reasoning and opinion rather than logic and fact, creating a cycle of manipulation and oppression.

However, there is a way forward. By recognizing and rejecting this compulsion within ourselves, we can create a society that values individual responsibility over coercion. By focusing on our own growth and allowing others the same freedom, we break the cycle of control and pave the way for a world built on respect, autonomy, and genuine human connection.