Painterly two brass compasses resting on a torn scrap of navy fabric.

Original artwork, not a still

Admiral Collingwood

Let your companions be such as yourself, or superior; for the worth of a man will always be ruled by that of his company.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker advises choosing companions of equal or greater worth, linking a person's standing to the company they keep. It is a demanding view of friendship and influence. The absolute wording treats social surroundings as a powerful measure of character, rather than merely a preference.

Context reviewed

Share this quote