“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

I think this quote means that it’s better to be with the right group than and if you are not then it’s better to be alone. For example, if you were to hang out with the bad group you will turn out with bad habits. if you hang out with the right group than they would push you forward to do the right things. There less chances you might end up somewhere you will regret later on in life. Therefore, it’s better to hang out with the good instead of ending up somewhere you can’t get out.