Agency Quote by Christian D. Larson
““When you permit an outside agency to control your feelings and emotions at frequent intervals for a prolonged period, your system will soon get into the habit of submitting to the control of this outside agency, and will not respond any longer to any effort that the will may make to regain its original power of control.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Within, 1912
Relying on external sources for emotional control creates habit, weakening personal agency.
In simple terms: External control erodes self‑power.
Key Takeaway
Regain internal control through self‑awareness.
Themes
self‑control
habit formation
emotional health
autonomy
Mood
introspective
motivational
Type
self‑help
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal journaling
- stressful work environments
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
psychology
behavioral conditioning
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits reinforce personal agency?
- How can one set healthy boundaries with external influences?
A Different Perspective
External influences can be necessary support, not always detrimental.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
