"宁可与清醒的食人族同眠，也不要与醉酒的基督徒同眠"

The idea here is pretty straightforward: it's better to be around a morally dubious person who is in control of themselves than someone who might typically be seen as good but is out of control. Let’s break it down.

The quote comes from Herman Melville's "Moby Dick." In the book, the protagonist, Ishmael, finds himself sharing a bed with Queequeg, a tattooed harpooner. Despite Queequeg's appearance and background, Ishmael finds him to be a much safer and more reliable bedfellow than some of the supposedly 'civilized' individuals he encounters who are prone to drunkenness.

To bring this into the real world, think of a scenario where you have to choose a roommate. You might assume that the clean-cut, polite individual with a conventional background is a safe bet. But if this person has a severe drinking problem, their behavior could become unpredictable and even dangerous. On the other hand, someone who doesn’t fit the 'ideal' image but has their act together might be a better choice.

Consider a friend of mine from college. Mark was from a rough part of town, covered in tattoos, and had a bit of a reputation. But Mark was disciplined, hardworking, and trustworthy. On the other hand, Jake, who came from a wealthy family and went to prep school, turned out to be a nightmare when he drank—unreliable, aggressive, and completely irresponsible. I’d choose Mark over Jake any day.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by reassessing your judgments of people. Look beyond the surface and consider someone's actions and behavior patterns. Are they consistent? Reliable? What are they like when they're not on their best behavior? It’s not about the label society puts on them, but about who they really are when it matters.

Imagine you’re hiring for your team. You might have a candidate with a stellar resume but known for late-night partying. Another applicant might not have the glitzy background but has an impeccable record and glowing references. Who’s the safer bet? Probably the latter. It’s all about real dependability and character.

Let’s paint a picture: You’re on a road trip across the country. Your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Do you want the slick-talking, suit-wearing guy who’s had a few drinks and promises he knows a shortcut? Or the rugged, unassuming mechanic who might have grease under his nails but knows how to get you back on the road? I know who I'd trust.

In essence, people are more than their appearances or reputations. Look deeper. It might just save you from a lot of trouble down the line. And who knows, you might find loyalty and integrity in the most unexpected places.