"بهتر است تنها باشی، تا اینکه در جمع بدی باشی."

Choosing to be alone is often seen as a negative thing, but this quote flips that notion on its head, suggesting that it's better to spend time by yourself than to surround yourself with negative influences. The core idea is simple yet profound: the people you keep around you can have a huge impact on your life, so it's better to be solo than to be dragged down by bad company.

Historically, this sentiment harks back to ancient wisdom. Similar ideas have been expressed by philosophers like Aristotle and Confucius who emphasized the importance of good company. It’s a reminder that the quality of our relationships shapes our experiences and decisions.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Think about high school. Imagine there's a student named Jake. Jake's got a group of friends who are always getting into trouble—skipping classes, vandalizing property, and even dabbling in petty theft. Jake starts to feel uncomfortable, realizing that he doesn’t share their values, but he worries about being alone. After much thought, he decides to distance himself. Initially, it's tough. He eats lunch alone and misses the camaraderie, even if it was a bit toxic. Over time, though, he finds new friends who are supportive and share his interests and values. He gets involved in extracurricular activities and discovers a passion for science. By his senior year, Jake's not only happier, but he's also excelling academically and has a clear path for the future.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by assessing your current relationships. Are there people who consistently bring you down or lead you into bad situations? It might be time to create some distance. This doesn’t mean cutting people off dramatically—sometimes it’s about setting boundaries. Spend more time with those who uplift you and pursue activities that reflect your true interests and values.

Now, picture this: You’ve just moved to a new city for a job. You don’t know anyone, and initially, it's lonely. One night, you meet some coworkers at a bar. They invite you to go out again, but this time, their idea of fun involves some illegal activities. You’re torn—do you join in to avoid feeling isolated, or do you stick to your principles? Remembering the importance of good company, you politely decline. You spend the next few weekends exploring the city on your own, visiting museums, and joining a local book club. It takes a bit longer to make friends, but eventually, you find a group of like-minded individuals. Not only do you feel more authentically connected, but you also stay true to yourself.

The lesson here isn’t that you should avoid people altogether, but rather that you should be selective. Being alone can sometimes be more empowering than compromising your values and well-being just to fit in. So, next time you’re faced with the choice of bad company or your own company, choose yourself. Your future self will thank you.