The culture and environment surrounding you
If you ever feel the desire to grow further, it is said that one of the quickest ways is to change your environment and the people you associate with.
For example, if you find yourself belonging to a company with a culture where overtime work is the norm and there is strong pressure from superiors, you may certainly learn a lot from being there. However, most people end up being influenced by that culture and before they know it, they themselves may become individuals who exert pressure on those below them. Otherwise, you will break your mental health. Either way, it’s not good for you.
In my personal experience, I encountered poor working conditions in a previous company. Employees were expected to work until midnight without receiving overtime pay. Furthermore, the CEO encouraged overtime work, even on weekends. This approach proved to be inefficient.
However, when I joined my current company, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my division colleagues aimed to leave the office early. Interestingly, foreign coworkers rarely engaged in overtime work. They prioritize work efficiency and quality over working longer hours. That custom influenced my way of thinking.
Now I have time to write blog posts, read books and go to cafes when I have free time. It was really good to change my environment.
A matter of nature or nurture
People often debate the nature versus nurture issue in human growth. While nature plays a role, nurture, particularly the environment, is equally significant in shaping individuals. For instance, even if your parents graduated from prestigious universities, you may not study hard if your friends never study, unless you are truly motivated to excel in your studies or your parents encourage you to study hard. Especially when children are young, they often don’t know what is right, so they can easily be influenced by their friends.
Even though you studied hard and got a good job, the company can easily be affected by the people you work with. There is a proverb that goes, “One rotten apple spoils the barrel.”
One rotten apple spoils the barrel
The saying “one rotten apple spoils the barrel” means that one bad influence or negative person can have a detrimental effect on the entire group or community. It suggests that the presence of a single corrupt or harmful individual can contaminate and negatively impact the overall environment or atmosphere. There is a similar proverb called “Shu ni majiwareba akakunaru” in Japan.
Shu ni majiwareba akakunaru （朱に交われば赤くなる）
The proverb “Shu ni majiwareba akakunaru” translates to “If you associate with vermillion, you will turn red.” This proverb conveys the idea that if you spend time with certain people or immerse yourself in a particular environment, their qualities or characteristics will eventually rub off on you.
Can a rotten apple become a fresh apple?
These two sayings stress the significance of the environment, particularly the community. If they convey the same message, it implies that a spoiled apple can regain freshness when surrounded by other fresh apples.
These sayings emphasize the power and potential for both positive and negative effects. Despite the challenges, with the right support, guidance, and positive examples, it is possible for a spoiled apple to transform and become a fresh apple, making a positive impact on the community.
In summary, the environment and the people we are around have a big impact on how we grow and develop. The saying “One rotten apple spoils the barrel” shows how one negative person can affect a whole group. Similarly, the Japanese proverb “Shu ni majiwareba akakunaru” emphasizes how the people we associate with shape our character and behavior. But it’s important to remember that just like a spoiled apple can become fresh again when surrounded by fresh apples, individuals can change and have a positive impact on their community. By deliberately choosing a supportive and positive environment, we can create opportunities for personal growth and success.
