Meaning: The quote "These children that come at you with knives, they are your children. You taught them. I didn't teach them. I just tried to help them stand up." is attributed to Charles Manson, a notorious criminal and cult leader. This quote is a chilling and thought-provoking statement that reflects Manson's manipulation and the disturbing dynamics of his cult, the Manson Family.

In this quote, Manson appears to distance himself from the violent actions of his followers, suggesting that the responsibility lies with society and the individuals who raised them. By referring to the violent individuals as "your children," Manson seems to be pointing a finger at the wider societal influences that shaped these individuals, rather than taking direct responsibility for their actions. He then asserts that he only "tried to help them stand up," subtly positioning himself as a mentor or guide rather than a direct instigator of violence.

Charles Manson was the leader of a cult known as the Manson Family, which gained notoriety for the brutal murders committed under his influence in the late 1960s. The most infamous of these crimes was the murder of actress Sharon Tate and several others in Los Angeles. Manson's ability to manipulate and control his followers, often young and vulnerable individuals, was a central aspect of his leadership. His charismatic personality and apocalyptic worldview drew people into his orbit, where he exerted a powerful influence over their thoughts and actions.

The quote reflects Manson's ability to distort reality and manipulate his followers into believing that he was not directly responsible for their actions. By framing the violent individuals as "your children," Manson seeks to shift the blame onto society at large, suggesting that it is the environment and upbringing of his followers that led them to commit violent acts. This tactic of deflecting responsibility is a hallmark of Manson's manipulative tactics, as he sought to maintain control and influence over his followers even after their violent actions.

The quote also speaks to the complex dynamics of influence and responsibility within cults and other extreme social groups. Manson's assertion that he "just tried to help them stand up" downplays the extent of his influence over his followers, presenting himself as a benevolent figure rather than the manipulative and dangerous leader that he was. This tactic is a chilling reminder of the ways in which individuals in positions of power can distort reality and shift blame in order to maintain control and influence over others.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Charles Manson encapsulates his manipulative and distorted worldview, as well as the complex dynamics of influence and responsibility within cults. By deflecting blame onto society and presenting himself as a benevolent figure, Manson seeks to maintain control and influence over his followers, even in the aftermath of their violent actions. The quote serves as a chilling reminder of the ways in which individuals in positions of power can distort reality and manipulate others to serve their own destructive agendas.