nurture beats nature; good company shapes character
Proverb meaning that a person's character is shaped by their environment and the people they associate with, just as mugwort growing among hemp will grow straight. Often used to emphasize the importance of good company.
As the proverb 'a mugwort amongst hemp' says, people are greatly influenced by their environment.
In children's education, the idea of 'nurture beats nature' is important.
From a quote by the Chinese philosopher Xunzi, emphasizing the influence of environment on personal development.