In physics, the term 'applied force' could be used in reference to any type of force. However, it is most often used when talking about the force that one person or an object directly applies to another person or object. All applied forces are contact forces. In other words, the source of the force must be in physical contact with its object. For instance, picking up a book from the floor, pushing or shoving someone and kicking a ball are all examples of applied force. As every action has an equal but opposite reaction, so does every source of force experience a counter-force from its object.
Applied force is parallel to what I call influence from contact. Just as an object acts upon and is acted upon by every other object in contact with it, so does a human being influence and come under the influence of everything to which he is exposed.
Little wonder, then, that parents and teachers and peers are considered very influential in human development. In fact, I personally consider it a big blessing for one to have good parents and teachers because they both constitute some of the most significant influences for every person, beginning from the first days of life. It is for this reason that they are worth following. However, as they teach, guide and lead, they are also influenced by the ones they influence. People suddenly become more attentive when they have children. Teachers often become irritant or pleasant depending on the responsiveness of their pupils. And, of course, we speak of peer pressure only because peers are influential, and
they don't do that from a distance.
Now, those are just two clear examples of how influence from contact works. One can think of many more. As a matter of fact, the bottomline is that everything - note, EVERYTHING not just EVERYONE - you come in contact with influences you one way or the other. This brings up the challenge of how to deal with the influence. If we realise and accept that the next date, the next meeting, the next conference, the next protest, the next programme will have an influence on our lives, then we will take seriously the kind of contacts we make. We will also take seriously how we respond to contact requests. The other side of the coin is that you play a role in the shaping of the things you come in contact with. If I were you, I would take seriously every activity I get involved in. Why? The specific answer to that you have to figure out by yourself; but the generic answer is that your role has an influence.
Next time the focus will be on friction and resistance.
Applied force is parallel to what I call influence from contact. Just as an object acts upon and is acted upon by every other object in contact with it, so does a human being influence and come under the influence of everything to which he is exposed.
Little wonder, then, that parents and teachers and peers are considered very influential in human development. In fact, I personally consider it a big blessing for one to have good parents and teachers because they both constitute some of the most significant influences for every person, beginning from the first days of life. It is for this reason that they are worth following. However, as they teach, guide and lead, they are also influenced by the ones they influence. People suddenly become more attentive when they have children. Teachers often become irritant or pleasant depending on the responsiveness of their pupils. And, of course, we speak of peer pressure only because peers are influential, and
they don't do that from a distance.
Now, those are just two clear examples of how influence from contact works. One can think of many more. As a matter of fact, the bottomline is that everything - note, EVERYTHING not just EVERYONE - you come in contact with influences you one way or the other. This brings up the challenge of how to deal with the influence. If we realise and accept that the next date, the next meeting, the next conference, the next protest, the next programme will have an influence on our lives, then we will take seriously the kind of contacts we make. We will also take seriously how we respond to contact requests. The other side of the coin is that you play a role in the shaping of the things you come in contact with. If I were you, I would take seriously every activity I get involved in. Why? The specific answer to that you have to figure out by yourself; but the generic answer is that your role has an influence.
Next time the focus will be on friction and resistance.
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