George Washington quote on choosing good company

George Washington copied Rule 56 in 1747 to practice handwriting and learn manners.

The rule advises: 'Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.'

Washington later applied this rule by working with trusted officers like Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War.

Harvard studies show that habits like smoking, fitness routines, and moods spread through social networks.

The ancient philosopher Epictetus also warned that spending time with dishonest people weakens one's own standards.