How much influence can one person have?
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
December 15, 2009 6:40pm CST
In a world of six billion people, it's easy to believe that the average person can have very little influence. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Our thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact we have on the world is greater than we could ever imagine, and the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences. We can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world.Often the recipient of a good deed will do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone's life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin and it can be us if we believe in our ability, if we want to use the ripples we create to spread goodness. Lets consider the effect our thoughts and actions have on those around us and try to act as graciously as possible. A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among our loved ones and associates, out into our community, and throughout the world. We have the power to touch the lives of everyone we come into contact with and also the people that they come into contact with and so on and on our influence can go. The momentum will grow as these ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of positivity. Think about it!
1 person likes this
12 responses
@cobradene (1171)
• India
17 Dec 09
All of us carry magnetism. This magnetism is nothing but our individual consciousness. And, our aura reflects according to the nature of our consciousness. So, first we have to realize how much influence can we have over ourselves to bring an inner change. And, we have to realize how positive can this change be.
The power comes from within. Before we can think about bringing a better change in the world, we have to start the change from within. We have the power to realize the infinite love we have within us, like you said, we have the power to touch the lives of everyone.
But first we need to be complete souls who can live day and night in nothing but love, selfless service and peace. We have to first practice to follow the path of non-violence, and then as we follow a life filled with love, peace, non-violence, the effects of our positive and good actions will automatically influence one person, and slowly it spreads on to another, then finally a small family, community, village, town, city and then the whole nation and the world. That's how we saw great ones like Mahatma Gandhi bring an influence and be an inspiration to transform millions of lives.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
17 Dec 09
Hi cobradene, An excellent response, thank you my friend. I agree with you the power must come from within, then nothing outside of us can harm us. I don't feel however, that we must wait until we have have reached the heights of such men as Mahatma Gandhi. There are little things that we can all do each day that with the ripple effect, can reach out to millions. Blessings.
@cobradene (1171)
• India
18 Dec 09
You are right... we don't have to wait to reach the heights of Mahatma Gandhi, you just start doing, and automatically, the influence begins..... depending on the intensity of our actions.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
20 Dec 09
It is so wonderfully thought of and said that one of these ripples we create could become a tidal wave of positivity. Our ways of thinking can have a great impact on those around us, so to have more positive thinking as to make the world a better one is something that every one of us is supposed to. In our real life, I have found that negativity passes negativity if it is not well considered like bad news pass on more quickly than good news. It is really hard to have everyone think positively and act positively as well. But it is so right that we can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world to make it a better one. Let's wish our positive impact to spread among our acquaintances in the first place till it goes all around the world.
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@shobhan51 (376)
• Malaysia
17 Dec 09
Very philosophical and motivating. I feel that what you have just written Pose 123, should earn you prominence and honour in philosophical thought. Yes, it is the absolute truth which every human being should consider very seriously. If what Pose 123 wrote is practised by every one, the world would be a better place to live in. But sad to say, not many think the way Pose 123 thinks and wish to act. With materialism, jealousy, hatred and other negative values coming in the way of noble thoughts, many would prefer to forsake positive values for get rich quick schemes and the comfort zone.
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@savypat (20216)
• United States
17 Dec 09
To make it simple the theory is that you are only nine people away from anyone else in the world. It's very interesting, you can read about it on the Internet. That's where I went when I first heard about it. I still can't believe it, especially for some of the more primitive peoples.
@acclaimlife (2)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I believe that each of us CAN make a difference. However, human mentality keeps us from doing so. We always think, "I'm only ONE out of SIX BILLION, how much difference can I possibly make?" But we take six billion people who think that way, and nothing gets done.
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I believe that we can make a difference when we want to, a positive difference with people who need that. Sometimes we can be the whole world to somebody who just needs somebody to be their world. Our actions define who we are and our words can comfort and encourage those around us. If we have a solid core we can ripple that effect out into the world.
1 person likes this
@greenfeathers (1206)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I have said before that I can't change anything, but I can influence everything. Everything happens a step at a time. You've named many of the avenues so there's no point in repeating..But you're absolutely right!!
Enjoy!!
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@VVroom (255)
• Romania
16 Dec 09
100 % agree with your point. We don't need to wait for a saviour. It already exists, inside us. As individuals we are always turned off by the thought ' you cannot save the world by yourself'. But that is exactly the point: you can. Evolving as individuals brings evolution to the entire group.
@ivonneskoglund (85)
• Sweden
16 Dec 09
influence!?! just think of Oprah... where she is now and all that she have... it´s all because millions of poeple are hook unto her- they are influence by her.
I think it takes a greater power in order to influence people for real. Especially the generation of todays are wiser and "hard-headed" :))... but seriously, its takes much effort, dignity and trust in order to influence others.
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