Michelle Obama's definition of success "We measure success by the difference we make in people's lives" got me thinking. This is a story about teaching in a jail school, and being asked the difference question a lot.
I do hope that I effect positive change. However, I wonder if there is a better mindset. Maybe we are better off wondering about the nature of ourselves rather than the effect we have upon others? Not that I don't think that making a difference in people's lives isn't important, but like your piece addresses, it is such a nebulous measure. If we are looking for evidence of our good or value in others, we might be making a simple situation into a complex one. You were doing good teaching those that needed it. The action was good, regardless of the response you could measure. You were a positive force.
mk, just fyi, you & Hubski have had a specific positive effect on my life, details another time. Re, is it good to be wondering about the effect we have on others: I hope all who are working in a position where they are supposed to have a positive effect on others (teaching, health care, politics, social work), evaluate often whether they are making a positive difference. You're right -- making a difference in people's lives or in society at large is not easily measured. We never know whether the little positive changes we make could be like the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil setting off a tornado in Texas.