The Hard Problem of Influence
The hard problem of influence is perhaps one of the most ambiguous ideas I have ever contemplated. And it may well remain ambiguous to the reader—because the term itself, “the hard problem of influence,” is my own invention. This problem began to surface not when I was learning philosophy and science, but when I started explaining them. During those moments of explanation, I would often hear remarks such as: “You opened my eyes,” “No one has ever explained this better,” or even “You changed me.” These comments, while amusing, also stirred something deeper within me. They pushed me to reflect—not just on what I was saying, but on what was truly happening when someone claimed they were “influenced.” Influence But the real puzzle began when I noticed myself becoming influenced—by my teachers, public speakers, and others who spoke of growth, empowerment, and purpose. This prompted a fundamental question: What does it really mean to be influenced? I posed this question to ...
