Letters from a Father to His Son

FRIENDSHIP
London, January 10th, 1849
My dear son,
There is a Latin adage or saying that you will meet with when you
are a little further advanced in the study of that language, which
means that a man is known by the company he keeps. There is a
similar phrase in almost all languages and countries, and the fact
is, therefore, confirmed by the experience of ages, that in
general one who associates with idle and worthless people, is himself of
the same stamp. On the contrary, he who is always found in the
society and fellowship of those who are industrious, virtuous, and
honorable, in all probability partakes of the character of his
companions.
Let it be, therefore, your own care to select your associates, and
still more especially your friends, from among those only who
merit and obtain the good opinion and approbation of the
holiest of men. This will not only procure for you a like good
opinion and approval, but it will be one step towards your
deserving it. The perpetual example of holy people before our
eyes, their conversation and advice, is of the greatest use to us
when we are young; while the language and conduct of the evilminded
and dissolute are apt to corrupt even the best
disposition, and to undermine the yet unfixed principles of
childhood, especially if accompanied, as is sometimes the case,
by superior, though perverted natural abilities.
In making choice of companions it is generally best for us to select
those having similar tastes and dispositions, and occupying
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