November 16

On Influence

“All talk influences more or less.” (1017.599)

“A man is gradually changed into the image of that which he loves. He who hath his portion in this world grows worldly. When a man gives himself to any pursuit he first of all moulds it, and then it moulds him.” (1372.498)

“An aroma steals forth from every man’s life, and it is either like the spikenard of the alabaster box, or like the reeking of a dung-hill.” (1854.414)

“Courage in one man breeds courage in another, and one coward has the contagion of cowardice about him; many will turn tail when one runs.” (2250.159)

“Much of a man’s character comes from other men. What we are is not all of ourselves. We are deep in debt to others. Indeed, what man is there upon whom there have not been a hundred fingers to mould him and a thousand influences to make his plastic character what it is?” (2924.99)