The Investment of Influence: A Study of Social Sympathy and Service

A comprehensive examination of the moral and social impacts individuals can have on one another, written in the late 19th century. The text explores the idea that every person exudes an atmosphere that influences those around them, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human relationships and the shared responsibility we hold towards one another. Hillis argues that individuals are both beneficiaries and benefactors, stressing the importance of self-cultivation alongside altruism and social service. The opening of the work establishes a philosophical foundation, discussing how every person has a unique influence that can uplift or diminish others. Hillis employs vivid analogies, comparing this influence to natural forces such as sunlight and warmth that can transform environments and lives. He illustrates his points through historical and moral examples, discussing how great figures, like good men throughout history, have created positive atmospheres that inspire and protect others. This sets the stage for his exploration of influence as an investment in the well-being of society, calling for greater social empathy and kindness as essential elements for communal growth and personal fulfillment.