Continuous association with base men increases a disposition to crime.

[Φαύλων ὁμιλίη συνεχὴς ἕξιν κακίης συναύξει.]

Democritus (c. 460 BC - c. 370 BC) Greek philosopher

Frag. 184 (Diels) [tr. Freeman (1948)]
    (Source)

Cited in Diels as "184. (194 N.)"; collected in Joannes Stobaeus (Stobaios) Anthologium II, 31, 90.

Alternate translations:

• "Frequent association with the wicked increases a disposition to vice." [tr. Barnes (1987)]
• "Associating with scoundrels frequently increases the possession of wickedness." [tr. @sententiq (2020), Fr. 234]
• "By associating with scoundrels, you will turn out a scoundrel"
• "Continuous association with the wicked increases bad character."