Bad company Quote by Denis Diderot
“Bad company is as instructive as licentiousness. One makes up for the loss of one's innocence with the loss of one's prejudices.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The French Enlightenment, 1760s
Bad company teaches lessons similar to immoral behavior; losing innocence is replaced by losing prejudice.
In simple terms: Wrong company teaches like vice; losing innocence replaces losing bias.
Learn from bad influences, but guard your values.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- social circles
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surrounding yourself with negative people affect your values?
- Can you gain insight without adopting their flaws?
Bad company may also reinforce harmful habits.