A man is known by the company he keeps

गुणवज्जनसंसर्गात्
याति स्वल्पोऽपि गौरवम् ।
पुष्पमालानुषङ्गेण
सूत्रम् शिरसि धार्यते ॥

The company of the distinguished, fetches respect even to the unworthy.
Because of its association with flowers (in a garland), the thread is also worn on head.

A man is known by the company he keeps.
Books and friends should be few but good.