Editorial November 1, 1941 Issue

Influence

Evelyn F. Heywood

On pages 82 and 83 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy writes, "In a world of sin and sensuality hastening to a greater development of power, it is wise earnestly to consider whether it is the human mind or the divine Mind which is influencing one." Never in the history of mankind have the determination and the means whereby to influence men, not singly, not now and then, but in multitudes and continuingly, been organized, manipulated, exploited, as they are today. The intent may not necessarily be evil; it may be actuated by religious fervor, by national devotion, by honest conviction. But whatever the purpose, its results can only be such as to rob men of their inherent right to individual judgment uninterfered with by liberated forces which would dictate and control.

He who allows another to determine his decisions and order his life, forfeits his initiative, his judgment, and his integrity. Of all priceless possessions, men should surely rank that of individual self-determination foremost in importance. This alone ensures their willingness to live nobly and act courageously.

When prejudice or mere desire, fear, or partisanship, induces men to do things because others do them, to think and live in willing or unwilling submission to blind conformity, conscience and reason have been sacrificed, progress and enlightenment have been abandoned.

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