True, affect is different and I guess that influence would mean changing someone's mind and opinion etc. But don't we change our minds on certain things thruout our lives? I think I do. There are experiences we make which do alter our believe system from time to time. I think certain things do influence us subconsciously even when we don't want them to. It certainly does depend on your personality to what extent it does but I think we are all being influenced to some degree.
Actually my original statement was 'your children are your only crack at immortality' I stand by that. Mistrel makes a goint point but blood is thicker than water, as I have said. When I know I have a bunch of children on this planet I live in them and in there children, children's children, etc. That's simply the way I feel about it. Because of that I do have children...the more the better. I love them all dearly and see myself in them everyday...for better or worst .