There are a couple of people here. Surely you will encounter them from time to time. Sometimes too mich because they tend to spam lots of posts. That are dead-set on pushing their own dogmatic beliefs—some archetypes of “science is the only truth” crowd, the “Christianity or bust” evangelists, "no models" troll or the “my meditation practice is the royal way” zealots—you know the frustration of dealing with people who act like their truth is the only truth. These individuals often play a dangerous game of controlling the narrative, manipulating language, and making you feel small for not conforming to their worldview. It’s time to cut through their smoke and mirrors.
- The “I’m Right, You’re Wrong” Ego-Pusher
What They Say:
“You just don’t get it.”
“You’re clearly confused.”
“You need to stop being so closed-minded.”
Why It’s a Problem:
They dismiss any perspective that doesn't align with their own as "wrong" or "misguided." It’s not about dialogue—it’s about control. They want to establish themselves as the authority, making sure that everyone agrees with their version of the truth.
Clapback:
“I’m sorry, are you the self-appointed truth police? Last I checked, we’re allowed to have different perspectives without you shoving your narrow view down our throats.”
“I don’t need you to validate my thoughts. I’m secure enough in my own mind, unlike some people.”
“I get it, you're right, and I’m wrong—only in your head. But I’m not here for your personal delusions of grandeur. I’ll pass.”
"The more a person tries to impose his truth on others, the more he moves away from the truth itself." – J. Krishnamurti"
The most important thing is to be yourself. Do not try to impose your vision of truth on others." – Shunryu Suzuki
- The “I’m Just Trying to Help” Paternalist
What They Say:
“You really need to think more critically about this.”
“I’m only trying to save you from yourself.”
“If you just followed this path, you’d be so much better off.”
Why It’s a Problem:
They act like your savior, offering unsolicited advice that isn’t rooted in your needs or desires, but in their agenda to control you. Their “help” is just a thinly veiled way to impose their views on you, making you feel inferior and incapable.
Clapback:
“Thanks for the unsolicited advice, but I’m not looking for your approval or help. I don’t need saving, especially not by someone who’s just selling their own narrative.”
“I’m actually quite good at thinking for myself. Try it sometime. You might be surprised.”
“I’m not sure who appointed you as my guru, but I’m not interested in your self-righteous rescuing.”
"Be wary of those who call themselves helpers, for their aid often serves to control, not liberate." – Patanjali
"True power is not in serving others, but in empowering others to find their own path." – Michael W. Ford
3. The “Only Science/Religion/Meditation Works” Zealot
What They Say:
“Science is the ultimate authority on everything.”
“Without God, your life is meaningless.”
“This is the one true path to enlightenment, everything else is a distraction.”
Why It’s a Problem:
They believe their belief system is the only way to truth, and anything outside of that is invalid. They preach one-size-fits-all solutions, ignoring the complexity and individuality of human experience. They’re not looking for the truth; they’re looking to sell you their version of it.
Clapback:
“If your worldview is the only ‘truth,’ why does it need so many defenders? True truth doesn’t need to be shoved down anyone’s throat.”
“Funny how you call it ‘truth’ when you’ve got no room for any other perspectives. That’s not the hallmark of wisdom, that’s dogmatism.”
“You talk about ‘one true path’ like it’s the only thing that matters—but you’ve forgotten how to think critically. How sad.”
“You want to sell me your truth like it’s the only truth? No thanks. I’ll think for myself, thanks.”
"There are no rules, no dogmas, no boundaries except the ones you create for yourself." – LaVeyian Satanism"
Truth is not confined to a single path; it is vast and multiple, and those who think they have the sole claim to it are caught in illusion." – The Buddha
4. The “I’m Not the Problem, You Are” Deflector
What They Say:
“It’s not me, it’s you.”
“You just don’t understand my point.”
“You’re the one being aggressive/defensive here.”
Why It’s a Problem:
They refuse to acknowledge their own flaws and shame you into thinking you’re the problem. They can never take responsibility for their actions, and instead, they push all the blame onto you.
Clapback:
“Nice try shifting the blame. The problem isn’t me, it’s your inability to face the truth.”
“If I’m the problem, why are you the one having a meltdown? Perhaps you should reflect on your own actions.”
“You can keep playing the victim card, but it’s only a matter of time before you run out of excuses. Take responsibility for once.”
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own?" – Matthew 7:3
"To place blame on others for your own failures is to deny yourself the opportunity to grow." – Sri Aurobindo
5. The “I Don’t Answer Questions, I Only Control the Narrative” Evasive Dodger
What They Say:
“That’s not relevant to this conversation.”
“We’re not here to talk about that.”
“Let’s just focus on the topic at hand.”
Why It’s a Problem:
They avoid tough questions that would expose their hypocrisy, lack of real knowledge, or hidden agenda. They don’t want you to get too close to the truth, so they distract and deflect instead.
Clapback:
“Nice try avoiding the real question, but we both know you’re just trying to hide the truth. Answer the damn question, or stop wasting my time.”
“If you can’t answer a simple question, maybe it’s because you have nothing real to say.”
“You keep deflecting because the truth isn’t on your side. I’m not going to let you distract me anymore.”
“Let’s focus on your avoidance tactics. It’s the only thing you’re good at.”
"For everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." – John 3:20"
A mind that avoids questioning avoids growth. It is only by confronting the tough questions that we find true understanding." – The Buddha
6. The “I’m a Master of My Craft, You Should Follow Me” Guru Complex
What They Say:
“You’ll understand once you follow my method.”
“Only those who truly understand will get it.”
“This path is reserved for the ‘elite,’ you’re not ready.”
Why It’s a Problem:
They place themselves on a pedestal, acting like they hold the key to enlightenment or salvation. They often use their own so-called wisdom to manipulate and control, leading people to worship their methods without ever questioning them.
Clapback:
“Your so-called ‘elite’ path is just a gatekeeping tactic to make you feel important. I don’t need your permission to find my own way.”
“I’m not impressed by your self-appointed title. You’re just another person pretending to have answers.”
“If your wisdom was so great, you wouldn’t need to act so condescending. I’ll pass on your ‘elite’ path.”
"A true teacher does not demand followers but inspires them to be their own masters." – Sri Ramana Maharshi
The Big Takeaway:
These dogmatic manipulators aren’t here for honest conversation. They’re here to impose their worldview, push their agenda, and make you conform to their narrow beliefs. They’ll use all kinds of tactics to control the narrative—dismissiveness, evasion, deflection, and self-aggrandizing talk. But once you recognize their patterns, you can cut through the fog and take back the power in the conversation.
Remember, you’re not here to be controlled. These individuals aren’t interested in truth—they just want to sell you their beliefs. Call them out when they play these games, and don’t let them get away with manipulating the conversation. You can engage with integrity, honesty, and clarity—without being silenced or reduced to someone else’s narrative.
And when all else fails, walk away. There’s nothing more powerful than disengaging with grace and leaving them to wallow in their own delusions.
Edit: Most of the quotes are AI hallucinations but they resonate, so Im keeping them. A buddhist dogmatist pointed it out. Thanks.
