Here's what we need to remember - there are men whose sole function (one that they assumed for themselves) is to manage the World. Thus, if they're able to control the variables and different factors that affect our daily lives without us even being aware of such a force, try to imagine how this contributes to our identities, and to our decision making processes.
Many of us believe that a form of "horizontal control" is what keeps societies working. In other words, all of the elements of control are essentially laid flat on a table and exist at roughly the same level. This type of thought would characterize a government where elected leaders are chosen by the people, then serve them in a way that would be most beneficial to everyone in that society.
Now, a second group realizes that horizontal control is merely an illusion that we're conditioned to believe in by our educational system and the media. They can see that the way our system works is more through "vertical control" where there are hierarchies and levels of influence. In this system, a pyramid-like structure exists where those at the top (the few) rule over those at the bottom (the masses).
Finally, a third group sees that although vertical control holds some truth, the reality of our situation is one of "vertical manipulation", a system where control is exercised from hidden quarters and isn't readily explained to those being subjected to it.