"We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the color of our moral character from those who are around us."

We're all a bit like chameleons, aren't we? We adapt and change based on the people we're surrounded by. Our values, behaviors, and even our moral compass can shift depending on our environment. This idea suggests that just as a chameleon changes color to blend into its surroundings, we too take on the characteristics and ethics of those around us.

Think back to middle school or high school. Remember how important it was to fit in? If your friends were into sports, maybe you started liking football or basketball, even if you'd never paid much attention to them before. Or if they were into music, suddenly you found yourself listening to new bands and talking about them as if you'd always been a fan. This wasn't just about hobbies, though. It was also about how you behaved—did you start acting out more or studying harder because of the group you were in? That's the chameleon effect in action.

One vivid example comes from the corporate world. Picture a new employee, Sarah, joining a company known for its cutthroat culture. Initially, Sarah is compassionate and believes in honest hard work. But as she spends more time there, she notices her colleagues bending rules and prioritizing profit over principles. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Sarah starts to adopt the same mindset. She skips a few ethical corners here and there, rationalizing it as just going with the flow. Eventually, she becomes almost unrecognizable from the person she was when she started—her moral character altered by those around her.

So what can you do to make sure you don't lose yourself in the crowd? First, choose your company wisely. If you're surrounded by people who inspire you to be better, you'll likely rise to that challenge. But if you hang around folks who bring out your worst traits, you'll probably sink to that level. It’s not about ditching your friends but being mindful of how they influence you.

Also, reflect regularly on your own values. Are your actions and decisions aligning with what you truly believe in, or are you just conforming to fit in? Write down your core principles and revisit them often—it’s like having a moral compass to guide you back when you start to drift.

Imagine you're at a family gathering, and everyone starts gossiping about a relative who isn’t there. You feel the pull to join in—it’s easy, and everyone else is doing it. But then you remember a time when you were the one being talked about, and how it hurt. So, instead of blending in like a chameleon, you decide to steer the conversation in a different direction. Maybe you talk about something positive that person did recently. It feels awkward at first, but slowly, others start to follow your lead.

In this way, you're not just taking on the color of those around you—you’re giving others a new hue to consider. By being mindful of who you surround yourself with and staying true to your principles, you can be the chameleon that changes the colors of the environment, rather than letting the environment change you.