The time-honored saying, ?a man is known by the company he keeps?, speaks volumes of the undisputable influence intimate companions exert on people in that one's company invariably streak him with their own temperament. Given that one's ?company? is duly chums, excluding those nodding acquaintances with whom he establishes a polite and grudging relationship, a man is known, at least partially by the company he keeps.



It is universally acknowledged that people of the same inclination or propensity are likely to be as mutually attractive as the opposite poles of a magnetic, thus accompanying each other as their kindred spirits. The proper sense of the statement concurs with that of the popular saying, ?birds of the same feather flock together?. Evidence abounds in every corner and crevice of all walks of life, among which the companionship between Chinese revolutionists in Anti-Japanese War affords an ample justification. Those revolutionists have long influenced each other, sharing in common a considerable number of unyielding spirits. What's more, it is common knowledge that condemned criminals have an inexhaustible fascination to their accomplices, thus giving rise to the Gang of Four, as well as multinational drug trafficking felons.

Another truism merits noticing is that people of complementary attributes, being kept as one's company, reflect his indelible traits. Renowned psychologists unanimously agree that a man of ready humor marries a woman of reserved manner may betray the man's penchant for feminine tender and the women's preference for an easy-going lifestyle. More recent examples show that a rocketing number of handsomely-paid white-collar workers prefer to reside in suburban areas, mixing themselves with local farmers, the phenomenon of which reveals their natural inclination to retreat from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life.

Admittedly, there exist an eerie group of people whose impulsive nature makes them the acquaintance of all, many of which have nothing in common with them, failing to reflect any of their qualities. Still some, such as David Thoreau, shut himself out far from the crowds, as a recluse. However, the former group of eccentrics are generally believed to have no intimates, thus excluding them from the topic at stake, while the latter whose intimacy with vegetables and squirrels unfolds his ideal of idyllic country life.

Judging from the evidence listed above, we can safely come to the conclusion that a man is known, at least partially, by the company he keeps. As it stands, a good companion is like a good book, every page you read serves as a reflection and guide, every companion a mirror of your alter ego. Therefore, it goes without saying that choosing truly deserving friends is of vital importance to all the people in this global village, especially in a time that people are more than ever interrelated and interwoven. Keep a certain distance from those companies that are likely to fail your future.