Influence. The word is everywhere these days, but what does it mean? Common dictionary definitions go like this: “as in sway … the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly.” But how do we really know who or what has influenced us? Awarded the 1963 Nobel Prize in Literature, one Greek poet and diplomat put it like this: “Don’t ask me who’s influenced me. A lion is made up of all the lambs he’s digested, and I’ve been reading all my life.” ― Giorgos Seferis
Seferis makes an excellent point. Most of us have been influenced by countless people, places, and things. I’m a reader, so all kinds of books on all kinds of subject are linked to my understanding of history and the many contours of this brief mortal journey. But life experiences are also extremely important in terms of “influence.”
Memories, for instance, that are lodged in our minds continue to exert influence on a conscious or subconscious basis. Sometimes this happens so automatically, we don’t even realize it, or perhaps we can’t find a way to let certain life experiences fade into the far reaches of our minds. So their influence continues whether we like it or not.
Of course there are a multitude of so-called “influencers” in today’s culture. Again, turning to the official definition, the dictionary suggests this: “a person who is able to generate interest in something (such as a consumer product) by posting about it on social media.” You can easily find the top 100, top 10, etc., with a quick search. I’m not sure I want my name on any of those lists, though. Life is complicated. And nuance is real. What if accuracy is compromised? What if a lack of objectivity distorts the picture?
At any rate, being a poet and an author, I guess “influence” is part of the equation. But it’s also an art form. And even if the topic or the message doesn’t resonate, many of us seek out books and articles because we appreciate their artistic value. This would be especially true of fiction and poetry. Creative nonfiction is also artistic in nature in many ways.
Recently, I had a chance to share an essay and several poems in Mag Pie Magazine, an Iowa publication, edited by Emily Stowe. It’s very creative, and reader-friendly. You can click on the cover image to browse the contents. My essay is called “Cast Deep in the Shadows: A Discerning Look at the Essential Past,” and the poems are titled “Jubilation,” “Dogs of Paradise,” and “From Under the Snow.” This issue of Mag Pie was organized around Care … a theme that definitely resonates with me. For more about the theme, take a look at the letter from the editor. There, Emily explains how caring isn’t about trying to do “everything,” which is literally impossible, of course. But doing what is important and true to our core values is realistic.
Are you an influencer in your daily life? Who do you try to influence? Who tries to influence you? I think the main idea here is to be mindful of what we are absorbing around us via media, social media, and so on. Not everything is important; not everything is worthy of our time. Be selective. Limits are good. Not everything can or should influence us. Then … nothing has much meaning at all.
For me, my core values are often useful in deciding what is relevant or not. If we don’t know who we are … anything or anyone can exert undue influence over us. And maybe even change us before we realize what is happening. That doesn’t strike me as a good way to nurture a meaningful and purposeful life. Exploring is good, but try to consider external information and influence with a cautious eye–know know who you are first, and what you believe, so you can build on your goals instead of someone else’s.
“Opinions are the cheapest commodities on earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions
ready to be wished upon anyone who will accept them.” ― Napoleon Hill
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