I think one’s theory of reality is shaped more by subconscious/latent consumption of the same ideas repeated over time, as opposed to any individual thing (eg book, relationship, event) having an outsized impact

Not to say latter category has no effect but just at scale former tends to overpower

It's like our minds marinate in a slow-cooked stew of ideas, flavors gradually melding over time, while big, bold ingredients add infrequent splashes of taste. Those individual experiences spice it up, but the steady simmer of consistent influences ultimately defines the recipe.