FOR WANT OF MONEY, POWER AND RECOGNITION

 Many people, when driven by a deep desire for money, power, and recognition, may resort to manipulative or deceptive tactics to attain those goals. This tendency can stem from a feeling of insecurity or inadequacy, where they believe that by acquiring external symbols of success such as wealth, status, or social approval they can fill a void they perceive in themselves. Unfortunately, this often leads them down a path of dishonesty and manipulation.

Here’s how these behaviours can manifest:

Manipulative Tricks, Cunning, and Bullying: When individuals are desperate for power, recognition, or financial gain, they might employ underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. This could include manipulation, where someone uses others for their own benefit, or bullying, where they try to intimidate or control others. Cunning behaviour might also involve deceitful practices like lying, tricking, or playing mind games to get ahead. Such individuals may feel justified in their actions, believing that the end result achieving their desires justifies the means, even if those means are morally questionable.

Pretending to Be Religious or Pure:

There are also those who may use the image of piety or purity to deceive others and gain status or power. By outwardly projecting a facade of being religious or morally upright, they attract admiration or gain followers who view them as trustworthy or virtuous. This “mask” of purity or religiosity becomes a tool for social and financial leverage. These individuals may not have the pure heart or integrity they outwardly display, but they know how to use their appearance to manipulate people's perception and gain what they want whether that’s money, influence, or recognition.

The Underlying Motivations:

At the core of these behaviours lies a deep sense of lack or emptiness. Whether it’s a lack of self-esteem, security, or a fear of being overlooked or insignificant, people often resort to these tactics because they feel that the world won’t notice them or value them unless they can somehow fabricate worthiness. They believe that acquiring power or status is the way to fill this void, even though it’s ultimately a hollow and temporary solution. In truth, this way of living is often unsustainable. It’s built on a shaky foundation of manipulation and deceit, and it requires constant effort to maintain the illusion. People who rely on these tactics often end up alienating others, creating distrust, and living in fear of being exposed. Their sense of fulfillment is short-lived, and they may find that the more they gain, the emptier they feel.

A Higher Path:

It’s important to remember that true fulfillment comes not from external validation or material gain, but from inner integrity, authenticity, and self-respect. Those who choose honesty, transparency, and compassion over manipulation and deceit tend to build relationships based on trust, and they find deeper, more lasting satisfaction. It's when people realize that they can be enough as they are that they don’t need to project a false image or manipulate their way to success, that they truly find peace and fulfillment.

In the end, genuine power comes from within, not from the manipulation of others. True recognition comes from being authentic and contributing to the world in a meaningful way. People who live with integrity attract the right kind of respect, relationships, and opportunities, and they often inspire others to do the same. This topic highlights a very important aspect of human nature: the desire for external validation can lead people to lose sight of their own authenticity, leading them down paths that are ultimately empty. It's crucial to keep in mind that the pursuit of wealth, power, or social image when not aligned with integrity can ultimately diminish the quality of one’s life, even if the external results seem desirable in the short term.