Choose your friends wisely.
Surround yourself with good people.
Hang out with people who fit your future, not your past.
You can’t change the people around you but you can change who you choose to be around.
These sayings developed from the teachings of the ancient sages thousands of years ago. They knew then that the people you mix with on a regular basis have a big influence on your life, your happiness and success.
The ancient sages also knew that making good friends is an art and the way to do this is to first select people who reflect the qualities you aspire to in your journey of self-cultivation, and then communicate with a sincere heart.
What if we can’t find good people around us? Professor Liu explains how studying the writings of the sages, including Confucius and Mencius, is like personally receiving their advice and teachings. They can be good friends too.