The proverb "a man is known by the company he keeps" means that a person's character, moral standards, and reputation can be understood by the people they associate with. It implies that individuals tend to spend time with others who share similar attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors, and therefore, one's friends or associates can reflect one's own traits. The origin of this saying can be traced back to Aesop's fable "The Ass and his Purchaser," where a man judges an ass's character based on the company the ass chooses to keep. Thus, the company a person keeps serves as a reflection of their own nature and values.
In short, this proverb advises that one's associations influence how others perceive them and suggests choosing companions wisely to reflect well on oneself.
