"Nous sommes comme des caméléons, nous prenons notre teinte et la couleur de notre caractère moral de ceux qui nous entourent."
— John Locke
Simplified Meaning:
This quote suggests that people often change their behavior and values to match those of the people they spend time with. Imagine a chameleon that changes its color to blend in with its surroundings. Similarly, humans tend to adopt the attitudes and actions of the community or group they are part of. For example, if someone hangs out with friends who are always kind and helpful, they are likely to become kinder and more helpful too. Conversely, if they are surrounded by people who are dishonest or mean, they might start acting dishonestly or meanly as well. The advice here is to be mindful of the company you keep, because it can influence your character and choices in ways you might not even notice. To apply this to your life, try to surround yourself with positive, good-hearted people who inspire you to be a better version of yourself.