This quote is a profound observation about the power of influence and the challenge of individuality. It suggests that examples, or the behaviors and actions of others, can be contagious, spreading from person to person much like a disease. It’s a reflection on human nature’s tendency to conform, to follow the crowd, and to adopt the behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes of those around us.

The ‘few men’ with ‘sufficient force of mind to resist’ are those who can maintain their individuality and not be swayed by the crowd. They are the ones who can think for themselves, who can resist the pressure to conform, and who can make their own decisions based on their own beliefs and values, rather than simply following the examples set by others.

In today’s world, this quote is more relevant than ever. We live in a time of unprecedented connectivity and information sharing, where the behaviors and opinions of others are constantly on display through social media, news, and other platforms. This makes it even easier for these ‘contagious examples’ to spread and influence people’s thoughts and actions.

This quote can also be applied to personal development. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the influences around us and to strive for individuality. It encourages us to critically evaluate the examples set by others before adopting them, to resist the pressure to conform, and to make decisions based on our own values and beliefs. It’s about developing the ‘force of mind’ to resist the ‘contagion’ of example and to think and act independently.