This saying stresses the powerful influence of one's social environment and friends. It warns that you will inevitably absorb the habits, values, and behaviors of the people you surround yourself with.
This is a classic Confucian teaching on the importance of choosing virtuous friends and mentors, as character is shaped by association.
This is used to emphasize the importance of choosing friends and environments carefully, as they shape your character. It signals a belief in strong social influence and warns against associating with bad influences. Parents and teachers often use it to steer young people toward good company.
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