The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-28
FROM THE STUDENTS RETREAT.
"Evelyn's" Thoughts Upon the Influence or
Ones Surroundings.


"Evelyn's" Thoughts Upon the Influence OF
Ones Surroundings.
To THE Howard CLUB-There is a silent
influence in surroundings. They shape
and mold mans character. Bytheir pow
erful, unseen influence they sway their
scepter DER the classical city, DER the So
cial village, DER the lonely cottage.
Man is a social creature. He seeks to
be influenced. A marked feature of his
character in formation is that it cannot
remain the same. Impressions of outside
objects are what develop the mind. There
fore he must use these outward supplies
as a means for advancement or retrogre s.
sion. This influence is as varied as the
characters of men. 1t admirably modifies
Its material Tor man in his different vOca-
tons. In intellectual pursuits man seeks
environments that viii promote intellect
ual growth. First OF all uncOnsciously he
surrounds himself with literature, and it is
well that this selection is made. He thus
prepares himself tor the higher duties that
await him. The influence OF books is such
that 1t develops the will, increases the
knowledge and refnes the feelings The
ilustrious Napole II was we'll rewarded
for his intense desire to have books as his
companions, for did he not recognize the
fact that they are the embodiment
of all that is noble and elevating?
By their influence all the feat
lures of his individuality were brought
out. Through it his memory was strength
ened to such degree that he was abe 10
repeat book after book from memory.
The thOughtiuluess, the prudence, the
will that so characterized him, all owe
their marvellous development TO the indi-
rect influence of books. Then the stu
dent has many advantages If be places
himself in an intellectual atmosphere.
That is, if he selects the companionship of
his superio.s. The very feeling OF their
superiority is an incentive for increased
labor. He is continually comparing his
mental ability with theirs, and since their
standard is higher, his labors must be in
creased in ORDER to reach that standard.
These influences are the same, but only
more deepiv marked upon the scholar
Books become his companions and for
them he forms a kind of venerable at
tachment They are indeed his only true
friends.
Adversely is the test of friendship, but
listen tn Irving: The scholar only
knows how dear these 81 ent, yet eloquent
companions of pure thoughts and inno-
cent hours become in the seasons of adj
versity. When all that is worldly turns
to drJss around us, these only retain
their steady value. When friends grow
co d, aud the converse of intrmates Ian
cuisines into vapid civility and common
place, these only continue the unaltered
cOuntenance of happier days. and cheer
us with that true friendship which never
deceived hope nor deserted sorrow"
But ali literature does not impart such an
elevating influence. There is class of lit
erature that degrades mankind. 1t is seen
in variety OF attractive works, especially
in those OF fiction. 1t sways authority over
its subjects in much the same manner as
does good literature. 1t also promotes
growth; yes, and a much more rapid
growth but that growth is in a ruinous di-
reCtlOn.
Who can estimate the influence of no
BILE thought, simple sentence, a single
boOk2 Doubtless if an author were per
mitted to see the results of undersigned in
fuence that one of his least works has
caused, he might stand sghast at the mys-
FERROUS changes produced in multitudes of
lives. Man in social life comes more di-
rectiy under the influence of his friends. II
they are worthy associates his moral nat
ure Is necessarily developed. a famili ari-
ty with the nature and needs of humanity
strengthens the true feeling of sympathy
and gives rise to imitation and obedience.
He then becomes esteemed as a friend and
honorable as citizen. There is a wonder
full stimulation in the association OF man
with man. 1t is fslt in much the same
manner in every position In life. True,
1t Is difficult to overcome the influence
of evil surroundings. Often flower in
the gloomy forest springs up and hourishes
for a time, then pales away and
dies for want of sunlight. 1t is
sad to note the large number of youths
with capable minds and lofty desires first
tower above their respective commu-
mites, then sink down again to their lev
els. Ii Is the influence OF their environ
ments that made them be what they had
willed not to be; but a lowering inhu-
ence takes possession of man in such a
crafty and unassuming manner that be-
fore he is aware he is hopelessly tangled
in its nets, and if he remains under these
detrimental influences at life's close the
grand total of the results of his deeds is
failure.
There are those who can become truly
great regardless of their surroundings, but
they are always men of will. Some OF
mankind, tired OF intellectual and social
pursuits, have sought the soi.udes; but
mark the influence even in these lonely
places. 1t is said that Lady Hester STAN
hope. the niece and private secretary o;
William Pitt. abandoned England because
of her disgust for the customs of Eng ish
society. and took up her abode in the wild
Syrian desert. Yet partly because of her
early impressions, but more probably be-
cause of the influence OF those solitudes,