Contagion of Character

In some measure, and perhaps in a much larger measure than we conceive, we are all the setters of moral and spiritual fashions.  We speak of the force of example, but perhaps the force is far deeper, and far more subtle and energetic, than we commonly believe.  It is more than probable that the emanations of character are like a secret army which cannot be stayed.  The insincere man emits perverting energies which tend to make society crooked.  His insincerity works to make everybody insincere.  He is the secret ally of our worst selves.

But, blessed be God, the converse of this is true.  One absolutely sincere man in any company tends to make everybody true.  His views are vital and vitalizing.  He may be the most silent member in the fellowship, but his very presence is a second conscience to the entire circle.  His spiritual emanations form an alliance with all that is honorable and inspiring in our own lives.  His contagion is the contagion of health.