Influence vs Manipulation: A Global Story About Power, Culture, and the Seven Spheres That Shape Our World
Across the globe—whether in Cape Town, São Paulo, Seoul, or Stockholm—human behaviour is shaped by unseen currents. These currents are carried through the stories we hear, the leaders we follow, and the institutions we trust.
Some leaders influence with integrity.
Others manipulate with intent.
To understand the difference, the world doesn’t need fictional characters. History has given us powerful real-life examples—individuals whose impact, for better or worse, has shaped nations and generations.
Two Global Examples: Influence That Builds vs Manipulation That Destroys
Influence: Nelson Mandela (South Africa)
Nelson Mandela stands as one of the clearest global examples of ethical influence.
Despite 27 years in prison, he emerged without bitterness, choosing reconciliation over revenge. His leadership modelled forgiveness, unity, and moral courage—not through force, but through character.
Mandela did not manipulate emotions or hide motives.
He influenced by:
• speaking truth openly
• respecting human dignity
• inviting the nation to choose peace over conflict
• leading by example
His influence strengthened a country and inspired the world.
Manipulation: Joseph Goebbels (Germany)
On the opposite end of the spectrum stands Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany’s Minister of Propaganda—a historically documented figure known for using manipulation on a catastrophic scale.
Goebbels did not inspire; he engineered belief.
He manipulated by:
• spreading propaganda and misinformation
• controlling media narratives
• exploiting fear and prejudice
• weaponizing emotion to justify harmful ideology
His manipulation contributed to one of the darkest chapters in global history.
These two real-world figures—Mandela and Goebbels—demonstrate the profound difference between influence that uplifts and manipulation that destroys.
Influence vs Manipulation: The Global Distinction
Influence
A transparent, ethical attempt to persuade or inspire.
It empowers people to think.
Manipulation
A hidden, self-serving attempt to control or distort perception.
It exploits people’s emotions.
Across continents, this distinction determines whether communities flourish or fracture.
The Seven Spheres of Influence: How Global Culture Is Shaped
Every society—regardless of language, religion, or politics—is shaped by seven powerful domains. These are known as the 7 Spheres (or Mountains) of Influence. Each can be used to uplift or to dominate.
Below is how influence and manipulation play out across the world.
1. Faith & Belief Systems — The Story of Meaning
From the Vatican to Mecca, from Buddhist monasteries to African spiritual traditions, faith influences billions.
Influence:
Leaders like Mother Teresa (India) used faith to care for the poor and uplift human dignity.
Manipulation:
Some extremist groups twist belief systems to justify violence or suppress freedom.
2. Family — The Story of Belonging
Family is the world’s oldest institution.
Influence:
Leaders like Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand) have modelled compassionate leadership, emphasising emotional intelligence, empathy, and the importance of supportive family structures in shaping healthy societies.
Manipulation:
Across the world, toxic family environments can undermine self-worth through coercion, shame, or emotional control.
3. Education — The Story of Knowledge
Schools shape global citizens.
Influence:
Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) stands as a global symbol of education used for empowerment and liberation.
Manipulation:
In some parts of the world, education systems censor history or restrict information to enforce political loyalty rather than critical thinking.
4. Government & Politics — The Story of Leadership
Leadership can elevate nations—or undermine them.
Influence:
Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore) guided his country from poverty to global prosperity with discipline, vision, and transparent governance.
Manipulation:
History also records authoritarian regimes across continents that used fear, censorship, and political propaganda to control citizens.
5. Media & Communication — The Story of the Moment
Media has more global power than ever before.
Influence:
Journalists like Maria Ressa (Philippines) use media to defend truth and democracy.
Manipulation:
Fake news, misinformation campaigns, and algorithmic manipulation distort public perception worldwide.
6. Arts, Culture & Entertainment — The Story of Imagination
From Hollywood to Nollywood, K-pop to Afrobeats, art shapes identity.
Influence:
Artists like Bono (Ireland) and Beyoncé (USA) use their platforms to address justice, empowerment, and cultural identity.
Manipulation:
Entertainment industries sometimes normalize harmful behaviours or subtly push political or social agendas.
7. Business & Economy — The Story of Value
Businesses shape global well-being through innovation and opportunity.
Influence:
Ethical leaders like Yvon Chouinard (USA) of Patagonia use business to uplift workers and protect the planet.
Manipulation:
Across the world, corporate scandals—from Enron (USA) to major financial collapses—show how manipulation erodes trust and destabilizes economies.
A Universal Truth: Everyone Has Influence
You don’t have to be Mandela, Malala, Jacinda Ardern, or Lee Kuan Yew to influence others.
You influence through:
• what you say
• how you lead
• how you create
• how you treat people
• how you use your platform—big or small
The real question is:
Will your influence be ethical or self-serving?
The world has seen both, and history remembers the difference.
A Global Call to Ethical Influence
Humanity rises when leaders, creators, teachers, and everyday people use influence with integrity.
It collapses when manipulation becomes normalized.
Influence builds societies.
Manipulation fractures them.
The stories we tell
the values we amplify
and the motives behind our actions
shape the world we leave behind.
The choice each of us makes—every day—determines which side of history we stand on.
#Influence #manipulation #7spheres #storytelling #nostr #primal #bitcoin #2025
THE POWER OF STORY: Humanity’s Oldest Technology
Before there were cities, before there were alphabets, before there was even fire—there was story.
In the Beginning, There Was Story
Imagine this: a group of early humans huddled around the dying light of a campfire. The night is thick and quiet, save for the crackle of flame. One of them leans forward, eyes wide, and begins to speak—not in commands or instructions, but in symbols and meaning. A tale of the hunt. Of the spirits. Of the stars. Of how the world came to be.
This was no mere entertainment. This was connection. Memory. Identity. Story was how we made sense of the unknown. It helped us remember where the predators roamed, which berries to avoid, and why thunder rolled. Story was survival.
It still is.
Why We Tell Stories
At its core, a story is a structure—a beginning, a middle, and an end. But it’s more than that. Story is how we arrange chaos into meaning. It’s how we bridge the inner world with the outer one. Through story, we try to understand ourselves, each other, and our place in the universe.
Neurologically, our brains are wired for narrative. Scientists have found that when we hear a story, our brains don’t just process language—they simulate the events. We live the story. The brain responds to a well-told tale in the same way it responds to real-life experience. That’s why we cry at movies, laugh at jokes, or feel courage swell in our chests when we read about revolutionaries or underdogs.
Stories aren’t just about what happened. They’re about what it means.
The Global Pulse of Storytelling
No matter where you go—rainforests, deserts, megacities, or villages—you’ll find stories. They might take the form of myths passed down orally, epic poems etched in stone, lullabies sung to children, murals sprayed on city walls, TikTok videos, or 8-hour podcasts.
In the Americas, stories shaped indigenous cosmologies long before the first European map was drawn. In Africa, griots and praise poets were—and still are—the living archives of kingdoms and lineages. In Asia, generations told their histories through brushstrokes and scrolls, dance and parables. In Oceania, stories travel across tides in chants and tattoos. In the Middle East, the One Thousand and One Nights proves how storytelling can literally save a life.
Despite different customs, languages, and symbols, all humans tell stories. Why? Because it’s the fastest way to make someone feel what you feel. And once people feel the same thing, they're no longer strangers.
Story as a Mirror—and a Map
Stories do more than reflect society—they shape it. They tell us who we are, who we can become, and what we should value. They’ve been used to start wars and end them. To reinforce power and dismantle it. Storytelling is the engine behind religion, politics, law, culture, and commerce.
Every movement in history began with a narrative. “We the people…” “I have a dream…” “Another world is possible.” Whether broadcast from stages or whispered in backrooms, these stories change hearts—and then laws.
Advertising uses story to sell identity. Education uses story to impart wisdom. Cinema, music, and literature—our great storytellers—have become more than art forms. They are blueprints for belonging.
The Future of Story
As technology evolves, so too does storytelling. Now, stories travel at the speed of light. We scroll through dozens a day: reels, tweets, memes, voice notes, virtual experiences. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interactive narratives are expanding what “story” even means.
But no matter the format, the human hunger for connection and meaning remains.
In a world increasingly fragmented and noisy, storytelling is our glue. It's how we reclaim history, imagine futures, and assert the richness of our cultures. It reminds us that we are not data points or algorithms—we are dreaming animals, telling tales around a digital fire.
In the End, We Are Story
You are not just reading this article—you are inside a story. One that began long before you and will continue after. Your ancestors lived through stories, and your descendants will live by yours. Every time you speak from the heart, share a lesson, paint a picture, or write a message—you keep the fire alive.
And so, the story goes on...
#story #storytelling #storyteller #nostr #primal #bitcoin #onceuponatime
THE POWER OF STORY: Humanity’s Oldest Technology
Before there were cities, before there were alphabets, before there was even fire—there was story.
In the Beginning, There Was Story
Imagine this: a group of early humans huddled around the dying light of a campfire. The night is thick and quiet, save for the crackle of flame. One of them leans forward, eyes wide, and begins to speak—not in commands or instructions, but in symbols and meaning. A tale of the hunt. Of the spirits. Of the stars. Of how the world came to be.
This was no mere entertainment. This was connection. Memory. Identity. Story was how we made sense of the unknown. It helped us remember where the predators roamed, which berries to avoid, and why thunder rolled. Story was survival.
It still is.
Why We Tell Stories
At its core, a story is a structure—a beginning, a middle, and an end. But it’s more than that. Story is how we arrange chaos into meaning. It’s how we bridge the inner world with the outer one. Through story, we try to understand ourselves, each other, and our place in the universe.
Neurologically, our brains are wired for narrative. Scientists have found that when we hear a story, our brains don’t just process language—they simulate the events. We live the story. The brain responds to a well-told tale in the same way it responds to real-life experience. That’s why we cry at movies, laugh at jokes, or feel courage swell in our chests when we read about revolutionaries or underdogs.
Stories aren’t just about what happened. They’re about what it means.
The Global Pulse of Storytelling
No matter where you go—rainforests, deserts, megacities, or villages—you’ll find stories. They might take the form of myths passed down orally, epic poems etched in stone, lullabies sung to children, murals sprayed on city walls, TikTok videos, or 8-hour podcasts.
In the Americas, stories shaped indigenous cosmologies long before the first European map was drawn. In Africa, griots and praise poets were—and still are—the living archives of kingdoms and lineages. In Asia, generations told their histories through brushstrokes and scrolls, dance and parables. In Oceania, stories travel across tides in chants and tattoos. In the Middle East, the One Thousand and One Nights proves how storytelling can literally save a life.
Despite different customs, languages, and symbols, all humans tell stories. Why? Because it’s the fastest way to make someone feel what you feel. And once people feel the same thing, they're no longer strangers.
Story as a Mirror—and a Map
Stories do more than reflect society—they shape it. They tell us who we are, who we can become, and what we should value. They’ve been used to start wars and end them. To reinforce power and dismantle it. Storytelling is the engine behind religion, politics, law, culture, and commerce.
Every movement in history began with a narrative. “We the people…” “I have a dream…” “Another world is possible.” Whether broadcast from stages or whispered in backrooms, these stories change hearts—and then laws.
Advertising uses story to sell identity. Education uses story to impart wisdom. Cinema, music, and literature—our great storytellers—have become more than art forms. They are blueprints for belonging.
The Future of Story
As technology evolves, so too does storytelling. Now, stories travel at the speed of light. We scroll through dozens a day: reels, tweets, memes, voice notes, virtual experiences. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interactive narratives are expanding what “story” even means.
But no matter the format, the human hunger for connection and meaning remains.
In a world increasingly fragmented and noisy, storytelling is our glue. It's how we reclaim history, imagine futures, and assert the richness of our cultures. It reminds us that we are not data points or algorithms—we are dreaming animals, telling tales around a digital fire.
In the End, We Are Story
You are not just reading this article—you are inside a story. One that began long before you and will continue after. Your ancestors lived through stories, and your descendants will live by yours. Every time you speak from the heart, share a lesson, paint a picture, or write a message—you keep the fire alive.
And so, the story goes on...
#story #storyteller #storytelling #narrative #film #filmmaker #influence #inthebegining #nostr #primal #bitcoin #greateststoryevertold
#filmmaker #storyteller #cinematography #cinematographer #Arri #AlexaMiniLF #SigmaLenses #nostr #primal www.vukosichuckmanganyi.com
Title: Bitcoin in Africa – How Crypto Is Changing Life in Africa.
Format: Documentary
Genre: Current Affairs
Premiered: April 2025 on NZZ Format
Directed by: Jasmin Sarwoko
Cinematogaphy and drone shots: Vukosi Chuck Manganyi
Produced by: NZZ Format
Inflation, expensive bank fees, and high exchange rates make everyday life difficult for many people in Africa. The documentary "Bitcoin in Africa" shows how a surf school in South Africa introduced Bitcoin in a township where 20 businesses now accept the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin is an inflation-resistant means of payment in Africa, says financial advisor Charlene Fadirepo at the Africa Bitcoin Conference in Nairobi. We also meet Kotani Pay, a startup focused on cross-border payments using cryptocurrencies.
In the most remote corner of Zambia, the film explores whether Bitcoin mining can promote the expansion of renewable energy. Kenyan tech entrepreneur Erik Hersman sees it as a solution to energy shortages.
https://youtu.be/6O0QpNbDLoQ?si=5Okfx31ZUgQ-SWLl
#Bitcoin #Bitcoindocumentary #fiatvsbitcoin #BitcoininAfrica #disruption #nostr #primal #Bitcoinfilmfest #bitcoinmining #Africa #NZZformat #storytelling #film #documentary #filmmaker #zaplife
**New Work**
Bitcoin In Afrika - Wie krypto das leben in Afrika verändert | Doku NZZ Format.
Inflation, teure Bankgebühren und hohe Wechselkurse erschweren den Alltag vieler Menschen in Afrika. Die Dokumentation «Bitcoin in Afrika» zeigt, wie eine Surfschule in Südafrika Bitcoin in einer Township bekannt gemacht hat, wo 20 Geschäfte die Kryptowährung akzeptieren.
Bitcoin ist in Afrika ein inflationsresistentes Zahlungsmittel, sagt Finanzberaterin Charlene Fadirepo auf der Africa Bitcoin Conference in Nairobi. Wir treffen auch Kotani Pay, ein Startup für Auslandszahlungen mit Kryptowährungen.
Im abgelegensten Zipfel von Sambia untersucht der Film, ob Bitcoin-Mining den Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien fördern kann. Der kenyanische Tech-Unternehmer Erik Hersman sieht darin eine Lösung für Energieknappheit.
https://youtu.be/6O0QpNbDLoQ?si=gJ3kExKxfRRXRDs_
#bitcoin #bitcoininAfrica #Africa #nostr #primal #documentary #film
#BenMadeIt #BenSoldOut #JoburgFilmFestival #indiefilmmaker 🙏
last night at the screening of #OscarNominated #TheLastRanger
Big congratulations to the #cast and #crew beautiful film
#film #storytelling #cinema #SouthAfricaCinema #shortfilm #Oscars #filmmaking #fundafilmmaker #nostr #primal
#JourneyOfMySoul
#TuNokweFilm
Why This Film Matters:
Dr. Tu Nokwe is more than a musician—she is a healer, mentor, and cultural warrior. Journey of My Soul is a visually poetic documentary that explores her remarkable life, blending powerful storytelling with rich South African music and heritage. This is more than a film—it is a tribute to art, spirituality, and transformation.
crowding funding campaigns launching soon
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#fundafilmmaker #nostr #bitcoinaccepted #zaplife
www.vukosichuckmanganyi.com
#indiefilmmaker #cinematographer #director #producer #storyteller #story #art #life #filmmaking #fundafilmmaker #documentarian #arri #arrialexamini #film #documentary #nostr #primal #geyser
https://joburgfilmfestival.co.za/movie/ben-made-it/
#BenMadeIt #film #officialselection #joburgfilmfest #filmfestivalrun #storytelling #indiefilmmaker #fundafilmmaker #nostr #primal #geyser #bitcoin
feels good to be back on set, even if it's just for the day. #filmmaker #nostrfilm #nostrfilmmaker #nostr #primal #askafilmmaker #highergrade #bitcoinfilmmaker
Title: Ben Made It
Format: Film
Genre: Drama
Starring: Marcus Mabusela, Eve Rasimeni and Wayne Van Rooyen
Premiering: in March at Joburg Film Festival 2025
Directed by: PJ Makosholo
D.O.P: Vukosi Chuck Manganyi
Produced by: Auzweke and Pantsufied Pictures
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#BenMadeIt #film #cinematographer #cinematography #dop #feature #joburgfilmfestival #2025 #pendamic #hydroxy #portfolio #storytelling #filmmaker #askafilmmaker #storytelling #virus #pendamic #nostr #nostrfilmmaker #primal #officialselection #trailer
Check the trailer to my latest work which will be premiering at the #JoburgFilmFestival in March 2025
Title: Ben Made It
Format: Film
Directed By: Pheello PJ Makosholo
Written By: Kgahliso Sephiri &
Thapelo “Moleft” Dikhutso
Produced By: Thabang Mathumetse &
Thapelo “Moleft” Dikhutso
Production Company: Auzweke & Pantsufied Pictures
Edited by: Jessica Donovan
DOP: Chuck Manganyi
https://youtu.be/48Qxu0Jffe4?si=Hvkmiq5kVXHa4kF_
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#BenMadeIt #featurefilm #film #joburgfilmfestival #officialselection #storytelling #filmmaker #virus #pendemaic #hydroxy #bekezela #fightthesystem #nostr
Meet Makhwekwe, Soweto's self proclaimed King of bicycle #spinning /#Drifting.
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE
Docu-series
Teaser
https://africaninakupenda.weebly.com/african-pedalling-dreams-network.html
🚴♂️🕴️🎥
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#aspiretoinspire #docuseries #bicyclespinning #bicycledrifying #bicycle #bike #Spinning #documentary
#film #documinute #storyteller #drifting #soweto #sowetospinners #cycling #theartofinfluence #proudlySouthAfrica #bicyclestance #bicyclefilmfestival #bhoni #ridejoburg #Mzansi #325is #325 #bmxafrica #bmxtricks #bmx #bmxlife #AfricaNinakupenda
Buddhism in South Africa - paths of transformation is a documentary that explores the influence of Tibetan Buddhism on individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through the personal stories of Nyameka, Hans, and Bhekinkosi, the film reveals how encounters with Buddhism have shaped their lives in unique ways. Nyameka's journey highlights the fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, and African spirituality, showcasing the evolving nature of belief systems in a multicultural society. Hans finds solace and purpose in Tibetan Buddhism amid the complexities of his upbringing, while Bhekinkosi's encounter with the Dalai Lama leads to transformative opportunities, enabling him to pursue education and serve his community. Through these narratives, the documentary reflects on themes of resilience, compassion, and the search for meaning, illustrating the transformative potential of spiritual practice in contemporary South Africa.
https://youtu.be/YWiMR2HvFAk?si=X-U6WkMABMMisW3W
#BuddhiminSouthAfrica #documetary #film #storytelling #filmmaker
Witsands thank you for having us #AdoptingBitcoinConference2025
nostr:npub1p0xmesqhftf7ga2v2hzdzz44ua059e70z7d9htur240p24y3a5xsn0deeh nostr:npub1zkr064avsxmxzaasppamps86ge0npwvft9yu3ymgxmk9umx3xyeq9sk6ec nostr:npub1nv4j840c5ugjjq7ym3sqkz5jcschjx8ulnaa90645av0rwdylm9qv9x0gr nostr:npub1dnzzyhmewrzkh862z7z2shwmhh5htx0rvkagepj2fkgst9ptwg3qj4x52h
