Friendship Quotes and Sayings: The Essence of True Friendship

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A collection of ancient proverbs on the issue of friendship, as well as, some of the finest thoughts, quotes and sayings on friendship from some of the best thinkers the world has seen.

Friendship Quotes and Sayings

Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense, and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable. ~Anonymous

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. ~St. Thomas Aquinas

The friendship that can cease has never been real. ~St. Jerome

A friend to all is a friend to none. ~Aristotle

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies. ~Aristotle

Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods. ~Aristotle

Friendship is one mind in two bodies. ~Mencius

True friends stab you in the front. ~Oscar Wilde

The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you. ~Elbert Hubbard

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. ~Elbert Hubbard

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. ~Albert Camus

The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Henry David Thoreau

I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better. ~Plutarch

Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend. ~Plautus

A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity. ~Robert Hall

A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship. ~John D. Rockefeller

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. ~Arnold H. Glasgow

It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter. ~Marlene Dietrich

Men kick friendship around like a football, but it doesn’t seem to crack. Women treat it like glass and it goes to pieces. ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind. ~Buddha

Friends are born, not made. ~Henry B. Adams

A man’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A single rose can be my garden… a single friend, my world. ~Leo Buscaglia

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. ~George Washington

I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world. ~Thomas A. Edison

Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go. ~Margaret Walker

Friendship and money: oil and water. ~Mario Puzo

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar. ~Robert Brault

The only way to have a friend is to be one. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friendship needs no words – it is solitude delivered from the anguish of loneliness. ~Dag Hammarskjold

Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them. ~Francesco Guicciardini

If it’s very painful for you to criticize your friends – you’re safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that’s the time to hold your tongue. ~Alice Duer Miller

It takes a long time to grow an old friend. ~John Leonard

Never explain – your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway. ~Elbert Hubbard

Silences make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying but the never needing to say is what counts. ~Margaret Lee Runbeck

We call that person who has lost his father, an orphan; and a widower that man who has lost his wife. But that man who has known the immense unhappiness of losing a friend, by what name do we call him? Here every language is silent and holds its peace in impotence. ~Joseph Roux

You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. ~Dale Carnegie

Friendship Proverbs and Sayings

For the friendship of two, the patience of one is required. ~Indian proverb

Gold is proved in the fire, friendship in need. ~Danish proverb

In forming new friendships, forget not old friends. ~Latin proverb

Your friend’s enemy might be your best friend. ~German proverb

Friendship is honey, but don’t eat it all. ~Moroccan proverb

Presents keep friendship warm. ~German proverb

So long as the pot is boiling, friendship will stay warm. ~Arab proverb

May your friendship not be like a stone: if it breaks you cannot put the pieces together. May it be like iron: when it breaks, you can weld the pieces back together. ~Malagasy proverb

Better an honest enemy than a false friend. ~German proverb

In times of difficulty, friendship is on trial. ~Greek proverb

Distrust is poison to friendship. ~Danish proverb

Ceremony is the smoke of friendship. ~Chinese proverb

Separation secures manifest friendship. ~Indian proverb

Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief. ~Swedish proverb

Honest advice doesn’t destroy true friendship. ~African proverb

A youth that does not cultivate friendship with the elderly is like a tree without roots. ~Ntomba proverb

There are many kinds of fruit that grow on the tree of life, but none so sweet as friendship. ~American proverb

The silence resulting from absence has destroyed many a friendship. ~Latin proverb

Friendship is love with intelligence. ~German proverb

Warm food, warm friendships. ~Czech proverb

Friendship is a plant we must often water. ~German proverb

Kind words heal friendship’s wounds. ~Danish proverb

If you choose to make friendship with a pig you must be prepared to live in the mad. ~African proverb

To preserve friendship, one must build walls. ~Italian proverb

True friendship does not freeze in the winter. ~German proverb

Love without friendship is like a shadow without the sun. ~Japanese proverb

The more intimate the friendship the deadlier the enmity. ~African proverb

Offer not the right hand of friendship to every one. ~Latin proverb

Your friendship is your needs answered. ~Danish proverb

Friendship is an empty word if it only works one way. ~American proverb

A friendship that dies is never reborn. ~Belizean proverb

He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~Spanish proverb

Little presents maintain friendship. ~French proverb

In adversity is when friendship is proven. ~Portuguese proverb

Friendship likes distance. ~Maasai proverb

A frequent accounting, a long friendship. ~Sicilian proverb

As mills require two stones, so friendship requires two heads. ~Armenian proverb

Friendship lasts as long as the pot boils. ~Latin proverb

Better to lose a little money than a little friendship. ~Malagasy proverb

Mutual gifts cement friendship. ~Ivorian proverb

The person who has no enemies also has no friends. ~German proverb

Friendship, a bond that transcends time and distance, has been celebrated and cherished by people throughout history. It’s a connection that enriches our lives, providing us with joy, support, and a sense of belonging. In the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” This sentiment captures the essence of friendship and the value it holds in our lives.

Choosing Friends and Socks: An Unconventional Comparison

Anonymous humorously reminds us that choosing our friends based on their character and our socks by their color is a peculiar concept. While we laugh at this witty remark, it highlights a fundamental truth about friendship – it’s about who a person is, not what they appear to be. Friendship delves beyond surface-level qualities and dives deep into the character of an individual, making it a bond like no other.

The Permanence of Real Friendship

St. Jerome’s statement, “The friendship that can cease has never been real,” strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced genuine friendship. True friends stand the test of time and adversity, remaining steadfast in their commitment to one another. It’s in the face of challenges that the authenticity of friendship shines brightly.

The Art of Selective Friendship

Aristotle, a philosopher known for his profound insights, offers several perspectives on friendship. He astutely observes, “A friend to all is a friend to none,” and “Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” These quotes emphasize the importance of selectivity in friendship. True friends are those with whom we share a deep connection and understanding, not acquaintances scattered far and wide.

The Incomparable Value of Friendship

Aristotle further asserts, “Without friends, no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.” This sentiment underscores the idea that even the most significant material possessions pale in comparison to the treasure of genuine friendship. It’s a sentiment echoed by Mencius, who describes friendship as “one mind in two bodies.”

The Art of Honesty in Friendship

Oscar Wilde’s witty remark, “True friends stab you in the front,” may sound amusing, but it holds a profound truth. True friends are not afraid to be honest with each other, even when the truth is uncomfortable. Their honesty stems from a place of love and genuine concern for each other’s well-being.

The Unwavering Support of Real Friends

Elbert Hubbard eloquently captures the essence of friendship when he states, “The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.” In the same vein, he reminds us that “A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.” Real friends embrace our flaws and imperfections, offering unwavering support and understanding.

The Art of Walking Together

Albert Camus reminds us that true friendship is not about leading or following but walking together. “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” This quote beautifully encapsulates the idea that in friendship, individuals stand side by side, equal partners in the journey of life.

The Unspoken Language of Friendship

Henry David Thoreau takes a different perspective, asserting, “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” This profound statement reminds us that true friends often understand each other without the need for extensive verbal communication. It’s the unspoken connections and shared experiences that speak volumes in friendship.

The Loyalty of Shadows

Plutarch offers a humorous perspective, saying, “I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.” While the comparison between friends and shadows may bring a smile to your face, it highlights the importance of consistency and loyalty in true friendships.

The Heavenly Presence of True Friends

Plautus reminds us that “Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend.” True friends bring a sense of heaven into our lives, offering support, love, and companionship in our earthly journey.

The Virtuous Friend

Robert Hall aptly describes the qualities of an ideal friend: “A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity.” True friends possess qualities that inspire trust and respect, making them pillars of strength in our lives.

The Balance of Friendship and Business

John D. Rockefeller offers a pragmatic view, stating, “A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.” While friendships and business can coexist, it’s essential to maintain a clear distinction between the two to preserve the integrity of both relationships.

A Friend in Need

Arnold H. Glasgow humorously notes, “A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.” True friends offer their support and help when needed, standing by your side during challenging times.

The Value of Late-Night Friends

Marlene Dietrich highlights the significance of friends you can rely on at any hour when she states, “It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” True friends are there during your darkest hours, providing comfort and solace.

Gender Dynamics in Friendship

Anne Morrow Lindbergh offers a thought-provoking comparison, suggesting that men and women have different approaches to friendship. While men may seem more casual, women tend to treat friendship as fragile and precious. Understanding these dynamics can help us navigate our friendships more effectively.

The Danger of Insincere Friends

Buddha wisely warns us about the perils of insincere friendships, stating, “An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.” It’s a reminder to choose our friends wisely and prioritize quality over quantity.

The Nature of True Friends

Henry B. Adams offers a concise perspective, stating, “Friends are born, not made.” True friendships are often rooted in genuine connections and shared values, making them organic and irreplaceable.

The Significance of Friendship Circles

Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the role of friends in personal growth, noting that “A man’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends.” As we evolve, our circle of friends may change, reflecting our personal development.

A Single Rose, A Single Friend

Leo Buscaglia beautifully compares a single rose to a single friend, reminding us that even a solitary friend can enrich our world and bring beauty into our lives.

The Art of Selective Intimacy

George Washington offers practical advice, urging us to “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.” Building deep friendships requires discernment and trust.

The Worth of Down-to-Earth Friends

Thomas A. Edison extols the virtues of friends who are true to themselves, stating, “I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.” Genuine friends are those who remain authentic, regardless of external circumstances.

Friendship and Good Manners

Margaret Walker emphasizes the significance of good manners in maintaining friendships, stating, “Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.” Politeness and consideration for others are essential aspects of nurturing lasting friendships.

The Unmixable Worlds of Friendship and Money

Mario Puzo, known for his portrayal of the mafia world, aptly observes, “Friendship and money: oil and water.” While these two elements may occasionally mix, they often lead to complications and strained relationships.

The Value of Time and Presence in Friendship

Robert Brault highlights the importance of being present for friends, saying, “I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.” True friends prioritize each other, offering their time and presence without reservation.

The Art of Being a Friend

Ralph Waldo Emerson encapsulates the essence of friendship succinctly: “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” True friendships are built on mutual care, support, and reciprocity.

The Language of Friendship

Dag Hammarskjold beautifully articulates the unique nature of friendship: “Friendship needs no words – it is solitude delivered from the anguish of loneliness.” True friends provide solace and companionship, alleviating the pain of isolation.

Seizing Opportunities for Friendship

Francesco Guicciardini encourages us to actively seek and nurture friendships, stating, “Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.” Opportunities for genuine connections should be embraced and cherished.

The Art of Constructive Criticism

Alice Duer Miller reminds us of the importance of tact and empathy in maintaining friendships, stating, “If it’s very painful for you to criticize your friends – you’re safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that’s the time to hold your tongue.” True friends offer constructive criticism out of love and concern, not spite.

The Patience of Growing Old Together

John Leonard reflects on the time it takes to cultivate lasting friendships, noting, “It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” True friendships deepen and mature over the years, becoming increasingly valuable.

The Power of Silence in Friendship

Elbert Hubbard astutely observes, “Never explain – your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.” In the quiet moments of friendship, the need for explanations often fades away. It’s the unspoken trust and understanding that truly matter.

The Depth of Unspoken Words

Margaret Lee Runbeck celebrates the power of silence in friendship, stating, “Silences make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying but the never needing to say is what counts.” True friends can communicate without words, understanding each other deeply.

The Ineffable Loss of Friendship

Joseph Roux poignantly acknowledges the profound impact of losing a friend, stating, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Showing genuine interest in others is the key to forming meaningful connections.

These timeless quotes remind us of the beauty and significance of friendship in our lives. They encourage us to cherish the friends we have and to nurture the bonds that bring us joy, support, and companionship. As we navigate the intricate fabric of human relationships, let these words serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path to authentic and lasting friendships. In the end, it is these friendships that enrich our lives and make our journeys truly meaningful.

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