Skip to content

Might I give counsel to any man, I would say to him, try…

“Might I give counsel to any man, I would say to him, try to frequent the company of your betters. In books and in life, that is the most wholesome society; learn to admire rightly; the great pleasure of life is that. Note what great men admire.” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
Download Open image
“Might I give counsel to any man, I would say to him, try to frequent the company of your betters. In books and in life, that is the most wholesome society; learn to admire rightly; the great pleasure of life is that. Note what great men admire.”

William Makepeace Thackeray

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Surround yourself with superior people and ideas to cultivate virtue and insight.

In simple terms: Learn from better people and books.

Key Takeaway

Seek out uplifting company.

Themes

self-improvement learning virtue

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career mentorship
  • academic study
  • personal development
  • networking

Key Concepts

role models social influence intellectual growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who can you admire in your current environment?
  • How can you create a better learning community?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone has access to high‑status circles.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Makepeace Thackeray

Explore all 384 William Makepeace Thackeray quotes

More Admiration quotes

Browse all 1,179 Admiration quotes