“It contributes greatly towards a man's moral and intellectual health, to be brought into habits of companionship with individuals unlike himself.”
— Nathaniel Hawthorne
Simplified Meaning:
Spending time with people who are different from us can make us better and smarter. When we talk and hang out with others who have different backgrounds, ideas, or cultures, it challenges us to think in new ways and understand different viewpoints. For example, imagine a student who always stays with the same group of friends at school. If this student starts making friends with classmates from different countries, they will learn about new traditions, languages, and ways of thinking. This experience can make the student more open-minded and knowledgeable. Talking to different people can also help us grow as human beings. When we see how others handle problems or live their lives, we can learn new ways to deal with our own challenges. For instance, someone might learn better ways to solve conflicts or find creative solutions for tough situations. By opening ourselves up to diverse friendships, we can become more compassionate, wise, and well-rounded individuals.