"Changing color after seeing" is a saying which means that a person becomes like another person by coming under his influence. It is often used when someone imitates someone else, whether good or bad. Good company can make you kind, polite and virtuous, whereas bad company can make you unknowingly fall prey to bad habits. Company has a direct impact on every aspect of our life. That is why it is said that always stay with good people and choose your company wisely, because the kind of company you keep, the same color will come into your life. This is what is beautifully explained in Sanskrit too, it says ;
पात्रविशेषे न्यस्तं गुणान्तरं व्रजति शिल्पमाधातुः |
जलमिव समुद्रशुक्तौ मुक्ताफलतां पयोदस्य ||
Paatravisheshe nyastam gunaantaram vrajati shilpamaadhaatuh.
Jalamiva samudrashuktau muktaaphalataam payodasya.
Paatra = object, receptacle.
Visheshe = special.
Nyastam = possessing.
Gunaantaram = change in quality or merits.
Vrajati = obtains.
Shilpamaadhaatuh = Shilpm + aadhatuh.
Shilpm = artistic refinement.
Aadhaatuh = takes place.
Jalamia = jalam + iva.
Jalam = water.
Iva = like.
Samudrashuktau = sea shells.
Muktaaphalataam = pearls.
Payodasya = a rain bearing cloud's.
i.e. A change in the form and properties of another object is possible only when it comes into contact with a person or thing having special abilities. Just as when a drop of water falling from a cloud enters an ordinary sea shell, it becomes a pearl over time.
In ancient times, it was believed that when raindrops enter the seashells under special conditions, they eventually turn into pearls. Using this fact as a metaphor, it has been stated that when ordinary people with special ability to acquire virtues come in contact with virtuous people, they also become virtuous. For Example:
If you live in the company of confident people, your confidence also increases. Similarly, if you live with hardworking people, you will learn to work hard.