To be shaped by forces not in our control

I have been thinking about the word influencer. To be an influencer. In 2025, this word is a status symbol, an actual title people use to define their work.

The job of influencing people to do something. 

It is a sanctioned form of propaganda, mind manipulation and seduction.

As an influencer, the role is often to make people feel bad or ashamed for not being as pretty, curvy, sexy, or cool. To increase the desire for more. To keep the greed cycle running. 

To influence young men to believe that women are lesser than they are. To shape a mind in a particular way. 

Of course, we all do this in some form or other. As parents, we seek to influence our children. 

As a teacher, I seek to influence my students to see the world differently, to respond differently. 

The Etymological Dictionary for Influence is quite astonishing.

Late 14c., an astrological term, “streaming ethereal power from the stars when in certain positions, acting upon character or destiny of men,” from Old French influence “emanation from the stars that acts upon one’s character and destiny” (13c.), also “a flow of water, a flowing in,” from Medieval Latin influentia “a flowing in” (also used in the astrological sense), from Latin influentem (nominative influens), present participle of influere “to flow into, stream in, pour in,” from in- “into, in, on, upon” (from PIE root *en “in”) + fluere “to flow” (see fluent).

To be shaped by forces not in our control.

If we are to influence with integrity, we might first be clear about the parameters and give people the conscious awareness and choice of what we are seeking to influence. This is a set of tools, my belief, an idea, a method. If you like it, give it a try. 

Or, I love this product, service or experience. Here is why. You may like it too. 

In other words, as influencers, we commit ourselves to consent. literally “feel together,” from assimilated form of com “with, together” (see con-) + sentire “to feel” (see sense (n.))

To shame others, to decrease others’ sense of worth, desirability or beauty, and success says more about the influencer. 

Any position of power comes with great responsibility. If you have the power to influence, be responsible for your actions and their precessional effects.

Photo Taken November 8th 2025, Article published November 9th, 2025