Power of Suggestion

With our first sense of understanding, ideas are presented to us, instilled into our minds as absolute facts.

We proceed from that basis, and however long it is followed, no true understanding or conclusion can be reached.
What do we know of the truth or falsity of these ideas when presented to us in childhood? Nothing whatsoever. They are merely suggestions passed on to us in childhood and they become a part of us and who we are and how we evolve.

Similarly later in life when one can exercise free will one can still be influenced by mere power of suggestion.

So are we merely puppets in the hands of those who exercise the power to suggest ?