Many people don’t understand why they need to keep adjusting their social circle. Why is it that the higher someone rises — the more established their wealth and status — the more exacting they become about who they keep close? Almost to the point of obsession.
The reason is simple. Let Master Chi explain.
Jealous people won’t offer you blessings — they’ll offer you betrayal. Petty people won’t give you support — they’ll give you dead weight. Angry people won’t give you stability — they’ll give you dread. People consumed by inner turmoil won’t nourish you — they’ll wear you down.
Some of my brothers and sisters tell me they’re constantly surrounded by people like this — sometimes even their own family. What can they do?
Simple. Maintain the basic, necessary contact. Nothing more. Don’t exhaust yourself over them. Don’t try to change their minds.
Do what duty requires of you — that’s enough. Direct whatever energy remains toward your own growth.
Seek out noble benefactors (Gui Ren), good people, kind people, capable people, strong people.
In time, you will naturally become a better person yourself.