Spheres: What are they good for?

"There has never been but one question in all civilization-how to keep a few men from saying to many men: You work and earn bread and we will eat it." - Abraham Lincoln

People have always had power over others, whether friends, employees, or entire regions.  These people have what's known as a sphere of influence.  Just like a planet keeps satellites in orbit around it by the sheer force of gravity, people can slowly attract others that have similar interests, or are willing to hear what what one has to say.  These people then open themselves up to be influenced.  That's not to say that one has to be high up in position to have a sphere of influence, or really have actual control of people at all.

For example, even though I am in no position of authority over others, I still have a sphere of influence among my friends and family, as they listen to my thoughts, and collaborate with me on decisions and steps to take for the future.

This leads to the heart of the sphere of influence.  One can only keep their sphere together as long as they align themselves with those whose values are similar.  For example, if you value helping the poor, a group could be formed with people that are just as passionate about this issue as you, and as the overall influence of the group grew, so too would the power and influence you would have over its members and the ability to find even more people that share your values.

The sphere of influence could be likened to a balloon, expanding as more and more individuals become part of it.  But unlike a balloon, it will never pop!