People
Let your companions be such as yourself, or superior; for the worth of a man will always be ruled by that of his company.
— Admiral Collingwood
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial 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