“The companions of our childhood always possess a certain power over our minds which hardly any later friend can obtain”

Simplified Meaning:

The people we are friends with as children have a special influence over us that most new friends can't achieve. Think about it like this: your childhood friends were there when you were learning how to navigate the world, play, and understand emotions. They shared experiences with you during a time when you were very impressionable, shaping how you see the world and yourself. For example, if you had a best friend when you were young, they might have been with you when you first rode a bike or had your first sleepover. These shared memories create a deep connection. As adults, we typically don't have as many 'firsts' together, so newer friends don't have the same kind of bond. Applying this to your life, remember that bonds from your past can be powerful because they are part of who you are. It's okay to cherish these old relationships even as you make new friends. They remind you of where you came from and help you understand the roots of your own identity.