influence

What is it?

Shall we try a few definitions?

in·flu·ence Audio Help   (?n’fl??-?ns)  Pronunciation Key
n.  

1. A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort: relaxed under the influence of the music; the influence of television on modern life.
2. Power to sway or affect based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position: used her parent’s influence to get the job.
1. A person who exerts influence: My parents considered my friend to be a bad influence on me.
2. An effect or change produced by influence.
3. … [astrological defs. deleted] …

tr.v.   in·flu·enced, in·flu·enc·ing, in·flu·enc·es

1. To produce an effect on by imperceptible or intangible means; sway.
2. To affect the nature, development, or condition of; modify. See Synonyms at affect [1]

We are all influenced by something or someone. Probably more than one someone or something.

How do you know when someone is a profound influence on someone else?

Could it be when someone constantly refers to someone, quotes him/her, speaks admiringly of that person, will hear no criticism of or offer any criticism of that person… could it be that such a generic ‘someone’ is a great influence on that person?

I wonder at some who say they are one kind of person yet use all their own influence to promote others who are quite a different kind of person. Who is influencing whom? And who is kidding whom?

Feeling cryptic…

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[1] influence. Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/influence (accessed: April 26, 2008).