With fools, there is no companionship. Rather than to live with men who are selfish, vain, quarrelsome, and obstinate, let a man walk alone.

Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.

Base yourself in loyalty and trust. Don't be a companion with those who are not your moral equal.

It's better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you'll drift in that direction.

Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit.

Always try to associate yourself closely with and learn as much as you can from those who know more than you, who do better than you, who see more clearly than you. Apart from the rewards of friendship, the association might pay off at some unforeseen time - that is only an accidental byproduct. The important thing is that the learning will make you a better person.