Ideas swarm around us every day. They go through our heads and sometimes alter our thoughts, beliefs and perception. The question is, what ideas, events, or words influence us to do the things we do and say the things we say. If we understand the causes and know the effects, we have yet to fully understand the “chain”. In essence, the real question is not “what” ideas, events or words influenced the person, but rather “why” they influenced them. To understand why, we must first understand the initial cause and effect. George Santayana's philosophies found in his essays, "Intellectual Ambition" and "Intuitive Morality", were enthused by the increase in education and change in literature during the time. The cause and effect can be as simple as increased education and the like led Santayana to write these essays; however, with the lack of detail, lack of evidence, and no answers as to why these things influenced his writing, it is impossible to complete the chain of cause and effect. Basically, the causes, effects, details and evidence must first be analyzed and then organized to understand the question of why. During the late 1880s and early 1890s, reforms in education allowed for a more open view of education and the world while stimulating creativity. and independence in schools. (America past and present, paraphrasing) The world, especially the United States, was beginning to understand that through creativity and education beyond the core subjects, the spectrum of known knowledge would spread beyond imaginable regions. Curiosity spread throughout the United States and eventually influenced many great people, including George Santayana. In his essay "Intellectual Ambition", Santayana points to the strength of creativity and... in the center of the paper... Works CitedSantayana, George. “Intellectual ambition”. The Oxford Book of Essays. Oxford University Press. AND. Giovanni Grosso. 1991. 341-342Santayana, George. “Intuitive morality”. The Oxford Book of Essays. Oxford University Press. AND. Giovanni Grosso. 1991. 342-345Saatkamp, ​​Herman, "George Santayana." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2010 edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). "Chapter 19: Towards an Urban Society, 1877-1900". America: past and present. Ed. Michele Boezi. 8th edition. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 538-570 “Chapter 20: Political Realignment in the 1890s.” America: past and present. Ed. Michele Boezi. 8th edition. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 572-598 “George Santayana.” British. 2005. January 17. 2006 .