Sense of Self

Throughout our lives, we enter and exit the lives of others. Our presence leaves a residue a change within them and, regardless of impression, they will never be the same again. This is because all that is seen or heard can never be unseen or unheard. However, change within ourselves occurs as well, because it is also the one whose life we enter also enters our own. A ripple effect occurs throughout the network of one's life as change causes change; thus, affecting other people other than the intended subject. Can any of us truly claim to have our own unique identities if we are influenced so? Is the character of one merely the pieces of others? Or do we take from others and make something that is our own?