The world is a looking-glass

Here's an example of a work-like, universal idea dropped into a B level influence:

The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion; and so let all young persons take their choice.

From Vanity Fair.

Use the world as a mirror for self-observation. Is somebody being nasty towards you? See that in yourself (i.e. see how you are nasty to others). Somebody is doing something you find annoying? Catch yourself doing the same thing. Somebody has a personality or trait that really rubs you the wrong way? See how you have that same personality or trait. You may not always be guilty of what the world mirrors back at you, but it's a brilliant, savvy way to see things in yourself that you are asleep to. (New Thinking. Seeing in yourself what you dislike in others.)

When you are just starting out with influences you read something like that and it usually doesn't make much of an impression, yet it is still an idea that is implanted into you to some degree. After reading it - it's there.