# 53. Social manipulation ## 53.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 53.5.8. Illusion of external agency This is the effect where people see a personal experience as being the result of some "external influence", "insight" or "benevolence". This is the confusion between "the magic in here" and "the magic out there" illusion. In this illusion, a victim sees a "moving hand" or an unknown external influence, rather than their own personal influence on actual events. The illusion provides fertile ground for a manipulator. Any victim suffering this illusion can be persuaded that what is happening is the result of some unspecified external influence, which can be spiritual or mystical in some way .This can alter the attitude and behaviour of a victim. For instance, a victim can be persuaded that the reason they have inherited a small fortune is a divine act, and has happened so as to help a religious sect financially with a donation, etc.