We are all largely influenced by the thoughts of others. Vibrations of thoughts linger in the atmosphere long after a thought has passed. The atmosphere is charged with the vibrations of thoughts from many years past, and still affect those whose minds are ready to receive them. And we attract to us thought vibrations corresponding in nature with those which we are in the habit of entertaining. The law of attraction is in full operation and we may see instances of it at all time.

By maintaining and entertaining thoughts along certain lines we allow these thought vibrations to influence us. If we cultivate a habit of thinking along the lines of cheerfulness, brightness and optimism, we attract to ourselves similar thought vibrations of others and we find that before long we will find all sorts of cheerful thoughts pouring into our minds from all directions. Likewise, if we harbor thoughts of gloom, despair and pessimism, we lay ourselves open to the influx of similar thoughts which have emanated from the minds of others.

Not only are we affected in this way by the thoughts of others, but what is known as suggestion also plays an important part in this aspect of subconscious influence. We find that the mind has a tendency to reproduce the emotions, moods and feelings of other persons, as evidenced by their attitude, appearance, facial expression, or words. If we associate with persons of a gloomy temperament, we run the risk of assimilating their mental trouble by the law of suggestion, unless we understand this law and counteract it.

In the same way we find that cheerfulness is contagious, and if we keep in the company of cheerful people we are very apt to take on their mental quality. The same rule applies to frequenting the company of unsuccessful or successful people, as the case may be. If we allow ourselves to take up the suggestions constantly emanating from them, we will find that our minds will begin to reproduce the characteristics, dispositions and traits of the other persons, and before long we will be living on the same mental plane.

These things are true only when we allow ourselves to take on the impressions, but unless one understands the law of suggestion and understands its principles and operations, one is more or less apt to be affected by it. We all remember the effect of certain positive persons with whom we come in contact. One individual has a faculty of inspiring with vigor and energy those in whose company we happen to be. Someone else will cause a feeling of uneasiness in those around him by reason of a prevailing attitude of distrust, suspicion, and low cunning.

Some carry an atmosphere of health around them, while others seem to be surrounded with a sickly aura of disease, even when their physical condition does not seem to indicate the lack of health. Mental states have a subtle way of impressing themselves upon us, and the student who will take the trouble to closely observe those with whom he comes in contact will receive a liberal education along these lines.

There is of course a great difference in the degree of suggestibility among different persons. There are those who are almost immune, while at the other end of the line are to be found others who are so constantly and strongly impressed by the suggestions of others, conscious or unconscious, that they may be said to scarcely have any independent thought or will of their own. But nearly all persons are suggestible to a greater or lesser degree.

It must not be supposed that all suggestions are bad, harmful, or undesirable. Many suggestions are very good for us, and coming at the right time have aided us. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to always let our own minds evaluate these suggestions before allowing them to manifest in our subconscious mind. We must let the final decision be our own and not the will of another.