Tom: How about friends?
Guru: Friends are fine if they’re good.
Tom: How can we tell whether they’re good?
Guru: You can ask three questions.
Tom: What are they?
Guru: First, listen to what they say and then observe what they do. Is their word consistent with their deed?
Tom: Okay, consistency in word and deed because we can’t see their thoughts.
Guru: Second, observe their company. Are they good?
Tom: Yes, we can tell what the person is like by his associations.
Guru: Third, observe how they treat people who’ll never bring them any benefit. Are they humane?
Tom: Yes, we’ll usually treat people well if they can bring us some benefit, but to those who can’t, we may not treat them well.
Guru: Like the old, poor and powerless.
Tom: Yes, like the old, poor and powerless.
Guru: If the answers to all three questions are yes, they’re good.
(Extract from Tommy Wong's book, "Wisdom on How to Live Life")
Dr. Tommy Wong is the author of the book series “Wisdom on How to Live Life”
Hi Derek,
I think consistency is over-rated. Association is quite a good way to judge a person. But I like the last question the most. Good extract, bro :)
Hi LP,
I will think it not only applies to friends but towards one self – How we can tell whether I am good? ;)
Cheers!
Hi Derek,
I totally agree. The yardstick which we see others shall be the yardstick in which others see us too. Well pointed out :)
Hi Derek
You are absolutely right! When we are good, we tend to attract good friends and therefore form good associations. So, when we have good friends around us, it is a sign that we are good. Thanks for your comment.