It is certain that either wise bearing or ignorant carriage is caught as men take diseases one of another; therefore, let men take heed of their company.—Shakespeare.
The most agreeable of all companions is a simple, frank man, without any high pretensions to an oppressive greatness; one who loves life, and understands the use of it; obliging alike at all hours; above all, of a golden temper and steadfast as an anchor. For such an one we gladly exchange the greatest genius, the most brilliant wit, the profoundest thinker.—Lessing.
No man can possibly improve in any company for which he has not respect enough to be under some degree of restraint.—Chesterfield.
A companion is but another self; wherefore it is an argument that a man is wicked if he keep company with the wicked.—St. Clement.
Let them have ever so learned lectures of breeding, that which will most influence their carriage will be the company they converse with, and the fashion of those about them.—Locke.
Conceit.—Be not wise in your own conceits.—Romans 12:16.
Conceit is the most contemptible and one of the most odious qualities in the world. It is vanity driven from all other shifts, and forced to appeal to itself for admiration.—Hazlitt.
The certain way to be cheated is to fancy one's self more cunning than others.—Charron.
Conceit is to nature what paint is to beauty; it is not only needless, but impairs what it would improve.—Pope.
Be very slow to believe that you are wiser than all others; it is a fatal but common error. Where one has been saved by a true estimation of another's weakness, thousands have been destroyed by a false appreciation of their own strength.—Colton.