Chapter 55
Meeting Your Heroes
The natural thirst, ne’er quench’d but from the well, Whereof the woman of Samaria crav’d, Excited: haste along the cumber’d path, After my guide, impell’d; and pity mov’d My bosom for the ’vengeful deed, though just. When lo! even as Luke relates, that Christ Appear’d unto the two upon their way, New-risen from his vaulted grave; to us A shade appear’d, and after us approach’d, Contemplating the crowd beneath its feet. We were not ware of it; so first it spake, Saying, “God give you peace, my brethren!” then Sudden we turn’d: and Virgil such salute, As fitted that kind…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Invisible Influence
Think about your current role—whether it's healthcare, parenting, teaching, or any job where you interact with people. Write down three specific ways your work might be influencing others beyond what you can see. Then identify one person who has influenced you from a distance (through their work, example, or words) and consider whether they know their impact on you.
Consider:
- •Your influence often travels through the people you directly impact to reach others you'll never meet
- •The methods and approaches you use matter as much as the immediate results you see
- •Someone might be watching how you handle difficult situations and learning from your example
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you discovered that something you did or said had a bigger impact than you realised. How did it feel to learn about that influence, and how might it change how you approach similar situations in the future?
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