Mr. Zeng Shiqiang once warned us: 'Always remember, the greatest disaster one encounters in life begins when you come into contact with the wrong people and enter the wrong environment. At this point, no matter how much energy you have or how kind you are, it is useless; you must stay away from those who are always filled with negative energy around you.'
Because we cannot change others, we can only change ourselves. These words are like a bright lamp, illuminating the path of our lives. Throughout history, countless wise individuals have already perceived the truth within, verifying the mutual influence between environment and people through their own experiences.
When Mencius was young, his mother moved three times to create a good growing environment for him. Initially, they lived next to a cemetery, and Mencius imitated adults by kneeling and crying, playing games related to funerals. Seeing this, Mencius's mother knew that such an environment was detrimental to his growth, so she decisively moved. After moving to a market, Mencius again imitated merchants in business and slaughtering pigs. Mencius's mother thought this place was still unsuitable for her child's growth and moved again. Finally, they settled near a school, where Mencius learned to treat others with courtesy and study. Only then did Mencius's mother feel relieved and say, 'This is the right place for the child.' It was her careful choice of environment that laid the foundation for Mencius to later become 'the Second Sage.' As Xunzi said: 'When a weed grows among hemp, it grows straight without support; white sand in ink becomes black with it.' The influence of the environment often subtly shapes our character and life.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang knew the world was divided even before he left his thatched cottage. While plowing in Nanyang, he befriended aspiring individuals like Cui Zhouping and Xu Shu, and the environment he was in was tranquil, conducive to learning. Such an environment allowed him to read extensively, gain insights into worldly affairs, and accumulate rich knowledge and wisdom. Later, he assisted Liu Bei and achieved great success. In contrast, Liu Shan, despite having a wise minister like Zhuge Liang to support him, was influenced by the treacherous people around him while living in the palace for a long time, leading to his lack of ambition and ultimately the downfall of Shu Han. As Confucius said: 'To dwell with good people is like entering a room filled with fragrance; if you stay long enough, you will be transformed by it. To dwell with bad people is like entering a fish market; if you stay long enough, you will also be transformed by it.' The words and actions of those around us, as well as the environment we are in, constantly influence our thoughts and behaviors.
Tao Yuanming famously said, 'I will not bend my back for five pecks of rice,' and resolutely left the dark and decayed officialdom to return to the countryside. In the officialdom, flattery and intrigue were prevalent, and such an environment was contrary to Tao Yuanming's pursuit of nature and indifference to fame and fortune. He knew he could not change the filth of the officialdom, so he chose to change his circumstances, 'Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I gaze leisurely at the southern mountain,' finding inner peace and spiritual freedom in rural life. Fan Zhongyan wrote in 'Yueyang Tower': 'In a high position, one worries for the people; in a distant place, one worries for the ruler.' Although he was demoted, he maintained his beliefs and was not swayed by a harsh environment, which is certainly admirable. However, for most people, staying away from negative environments and choosing to associate with positive and upward individuals is often a better way to help us achieve our life values.
In modern society, we also face many choices. The popularity of social media exposes us to a variety of people, and the online environment is filled with various voices. Some people always complain about the unfairness of life and spread negative emotions; others are full of positive energy, sharing optimistic life attitudes and life experiences. If we are immersed in a negative energy atmosphere all day, it is easy to be infected by this emotion and become passive and slack. In contrast, associating with those who strive, are positive, and optimistic will inspire us and unleash our potential. As Newton said, 'If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.' Walking with excellent people allows us to learn from their strengths and gain more growth opportunities.
Life is long, we cannot choose the environment we are born into, but we can choose who to walk with and in what kind of environment to live and work. Staying away from those who always spread negative energy is not indifference, but responsibility for our own lives. We do not have enough ability to change everyone, but we can change our social circles and environments, placing ourselves in a positive atmosphere. Only then can we walk more steadily and farther on the road of life, realizing our ideals and values. Let us learn from the ancients, choose our neighbors wisely, walk with the light, and shine our own brilliance in a beautiful environment.
