I don't agree with that.  The best bet is to have 'friends' which are a cross-section of society in my opinion.  I've certainly learned some of the most valuable lessons in life from my 'bad' friends, and as a consequence am able to cope in a diversity of societies and social structures.  Cloistering, in my observation, leads to viewing society through rose-colored glasses and/or viewing 'bad people' in mostly invalid ways due to lack of background experiences which make it impossible to comprehend necessary nuances.

I do agree agree with trying to be 'the ultimate teacher', but also try to get right up to the line then _try_ to save their asses before they fall into the abyss.

The interesting thing to me is that some of the 'best people' I know had truly frightful formative years.  Conversely, some of the biggest shit-heads had it all growing up.  A lot in fact.  Most people accept that there is a balance of 'nature vs. nurture'.  I tend to think that 'nature' is more predominant that 'nurture' compared to a lot of others.