Whether or not Gandhi actually said it, this reminds me of: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." The author's argument is that doing so might damage

Whether or not Gandhi actually said it, this reminds me of: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." The author's argument is that doing so might damage or worsen you, but surely it is still a net positive? Furthermore, the "rubbing off on those around you" might work in the other direction too.