Influence

"All influence is immoral. Because to influence a person is to give him one's own soul. He does not think his natural thoughts, or burn with his natural passions. His virtues are not real to him. His sins, if there is such things as sins, are borrowed. He becomes an echo of someone else's music, an actor of a part that had not been written for him."
-The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde)

Influence. Such a simplistic, yet complex word with so much power. Most people take advantage of their actions, choose to selfishly hold onto them without any regard for how they might affect others. Really, every step we take as individuals holds meaning. When coming across this quote, I was instantly reminded of the importance of making decisive decisions. Instead of acting impulsively and sporadically, perhaps, I could take the time to think about how my steps affect others. Instead of choosing to make decisions based solely on how they can impact my life, maybe I could stop to consider the way each seemingly simple action holds the potential to make or break someone's day.

However, at what point is influence taken to the extreme? At what point is influence too dangerous? This quote so eloquently provides readers with a clear picture of how shallow a person can become. Often, I see simple-minded people making dangerous decisions based on some other simplistic person's influence and persuasion. There comes a time when influential power becomes over-wrought with selfishness and greed. The power to control and promote one's own opinions and ideals is so addicting. Sometimes, people purposefully exert influence based on the sheer thrill of it all. The adrenaline rush which comes from control.

So let us strive to make influence become balanced. Consider another person when making being decisive, yet be aware of the tempting swell of power which stems from being a driving force. Exerting influence is inevitable, yet be mindful.

"Iron sharpens iron, as one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17