Taylor Swift on the importance of friends: 'You should surround yourself with people who challenge you'

'Shake It Off' beauty Taylor Swift sat down for an interview with America's 'The View' earlier today and revealed that she has really come to understand the importance and value of having a group of inspiring females around her.

The songstress was quizzed on her group of close female friends, which includes fellow musician Lorde and 'Girls' writer and actress Lena Dunham, and confessed that she's empowered by her pals as they're all independent and incredibly driven strong women:

"I look for people who have their own passions in life. My friends are all chasing their own dreams and all have their own ambitions, and that’s what fuels you. You're supposed to surround yourself with people who challenge you."

Earlier this month, Selena Gomez shared some advice given to her by Swift and admitted she told her to always hang out with people who are interesting and contribute something to her life: "She looked at me... she's so supportive... and said, 'Selena, if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.' She thinks I should be around people who will challenge me and I want to surround myself with those people. I repeat that to myself now."

Watch her full interview on 'The View' here: