46.1 Avoiding the Mean Company

 46.1 Avoiding the Mean Company

Question:

What happens when we associate with mean people?

Answer:

Water changes its nature according to the nature of

the soil through which it flows; similarly, men’s

character changes with their associations.                    (Couplet – 452)

நிலத்தியல்பால் நீர்திரிந் தற்றாகும் மாந்தர்க்கு

இனத்தியல்ப தாகும் அறிவு.                                             (குறள் – 452)

 

Explanation:

Water acquires the color and taste of the land through which it flows. For example, when water flows through red soil, it acquires the red color. When the water flows through salty soil, it becomes salty. So also, when people associate with other people who are mean, they tend to behave like them. For example, we see youngsters become easily influenced by those with whom they associate. We see many youngsters start smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol after they start moving with others who have those habits. Valluvar’s advice that one should stay away from mean people is a bit of practical and sound advice to everyone, including the leaders.