of Gide's first conference titled "De l'influence en Littérature," in which he defends the concept of influence in artistic creation. He posits that all individuals are susceptible to various influences, which can either enhance or constrict their potential. Gide emphasizes that influences are not inherently good or bad; rather, they depend on the nature of the individual receiving them. He recalls Goethe’s experiences with influence and insists that the ability to be affected by external forces shows an openness to growth, arguing against the modern fear of losing one's individuality through external influences. The chapter establishes a critical framework for understanding how external elements contribute to artistic creation and personal identity, preparing readers for the broader discussions that will follow in the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)