"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."

George Washington is correct. It is better to be alone than to be with bad company. What that means is that you'd rather be alone than to be with bad people. Associating with men of good quality is way better than this. Having friends like this helps you and encourages you to do good. Having bad friends just puts you down. Like hes said,"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation."