avatarDr Emmanuel Ogamdi

Summary

The article reflects on the age-old wisdom that friends can significantly influence one's life, suggesting that while friends can shape our experiences and choices, individual willpower also plays a crucial role in determining personal outcomes.

Abstract

The author recalls childhood advice from parents in Nigeria about the importance of choosing friends wisely, as they can either positively or negatively impact one's life. The article delves into the idea that life is an adventure influenced by the company we keep. It acknowledges the social nature of humans, who learn and are influenced by their surroundings, suggesting that friends do indeed have the power to shape our paths. However, the article also presents the counterargument that personal willpower can be strong enough to resist external influences, citing examples of individuals who remain unaffected by the habits of their peers. The author invites readers to consider their own stance on the matter.

Opinions

  • The author's parents believed that the choice of friends could either 'make or mar' a person's life.
  • Friends are seen as a significant environmental factor

They Say That Your Friends Can Make or Mar You, But Is It True?

Photo by Hannah Rodrigo on Unsplash

As a kid in Nigeria, my parents used to say ‘Choose your friends carefully, your friends can either make you or mar you’. They said these words so often that it became like an anthem to me.

They taught me that life is an adventure, and the people I decide to hang out with can determine how the adventure goes.

But is it true? Can the friends you keep determine your path in life?

Well, I think the answer is yes and no.

We are social beings. We learn and are influenced by information gleaned from our environment, especially by what we see others do. Considering this, the answer is yes.

On the other hand, we tend to have strong wills. I’ve seen people that hang out with smokers but are not themselves smokers. Considering this, the answer is no.

What do you think?

Friends
Friendship
Future
Influence
The Shortform
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