择友(2/3)

We do not choose them, we do not enjoy them, and yet, we have to associate with them more or less. The experience is not altogether without compensation, if there is principle enough in us to bear the strain. Still, in the main, choice of companions can be made, and must be made. It is not the best or necessary for a young person to associate with "Tome, **** and Henry" without forethought or purpose. Some fixed rules about the company he or she keeps should be observed. The subject should be uppermost in the thoughts, and canvassed often. Companionship is education, good or bad; it develops manhood or womanhood, high or low; it lifts the soul upward or drags it downward; it ministers to virtue or vice. Sow virtue, and the harvest will be virtue. Sow vice, and the harvest will be vice. Good companions help us to sow virtue, evil companions help us to sow vice.

我们没有选择他们，我们也不喜欢他们，但是我们必须或多或少地跟他们交往。如果我们坚守内心的原则，承受一些压力，这样的经历并非完全没有补偿，但总的来说，朋友可以选择，也必须选择。如果没有事先的掂量或明确的目的，一个年轻人就随便与张三、李四或者王五交往，那是不妥当、不必要的。我们应该遵守一些固定的交友之道，把这一点放在思想最重要的位置，并时刻检查自己。 无论是有益的还是有害的友谊，都是一种教育；无论对男对女，它都可以滋养高尚或者卑微的人格；它可以使灵魂升华，也可以使之堕落；它可以滋生美德，也可以催生邪恶。播种美德，收获的就是美德；播种邪恶，收获的就是邪恶。好的朋友可以帮助我们播种美德，坏的朋友促使我们播种邪恶。