Dec 18 2008
On How We Influence Others
There is no such thing as a ’self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our successes.
–George Matthew Adams
When we think of the influence we have on others, we often do not thing of how far reaching the effect can be. We are a product of our own personal history, and that history is, as Adams recognizes, made up of all whom we have come in contact with.
If this makes sense, then each day we should go about our business with the intention of helping others along their way as well. Affirmation and encouragement can go a long way. And just as the positive effect we have on the lives of others, our unkind behavior also has an effect. In those who are confident and “well-balanced” our negative behavior gives them an example of how they don’t want to treat others. For those who desire the approval and help of others, such rejection could have a detrimental effect on them.
We are not only made by ourselves, we are in small part, an amalgamation of all whom we have met.
