Conversations are determinants and predictors of our lives and future. And how we thrive in this world is going to come down to the quality of our conversations.
The word "conversation" is a mid-14th century word, and it had nothing to do with talking. Conversation originally meant a place where one lives or dwells. The overall pattern of actions or habits. The manner of conducting oneself
So basically, those we choose to have conversations with ultimately affect the way we think, act, and so on. And just as this quote by W. Clement Stone says, choosing to cut off those who are bad influences and embracing the good influencers will go a really long way in making one a much better person. It isn't entirely possible to be completely cut off, considering that enocountering them is inevitable, but we can try.