This quote by Sydney Smith encourages us to be mindful of the company we keep, even when we read. He is suggesting that we should aim to check out books and other products that are of a high quality and that will benefit us in some way. He is likewise suggesting that we must be selective in the books we select to check out, which we need to beware to avoid books that are of a lower quality or that may not be helpful to us. By doing this, we can guarantee that we are constantly in the best company when we check out. This quote is a reminder that the books we check out can have a significant effect on our lives, which we ought to bear in mind the company we keep when we check out.
"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality"