Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Associating with quality men protects one's reputation. It is better to be alone than to keep company with bad influences.
- In plain terms
- Choose good friends to protect your reputation or be alone.
- What can you take from it?
- Associate with high-quality people to protect your reputation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who influences my character?
- Is it worth losing a friend for quality?
Another view
Solitude can be isolating and may limit diverse perspectives.
More from George Washington
Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.
Permalink to quote #116 Charles Moore in his Introduction to George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation (1926), edited by Charles Moore, xi…
Permalink to quote #118 When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.
Permalink to quote #115
Related quotes
We are far more liable to catch the vices than the virtues of our associates.
Denis DiderotDenis Diderot quote #22 I have known Andy for many years... he made a bad slip the other day, but you need not be scared. Andy ain't a drunkard.
Andrew JohnsonAndrew Johnson quote #31 A man is known by the company he keeps.
Thomas JacksonThomas Jackson quote #44