Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
There can be no Friendship where there is no Freedom. Friendship loves a free Air, and will not be penned up in straight and narrow Enclosures. It will speak freely, and act so too; and take nothing ill where no ill is meant; nay, where it is, 'twill easily forgive, and forget too, upon small Acknowledgments.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friendship requires freedom and open communication, thriving in an environment where each individual can express themselves without constraints.
In this quote, William Penn emphasizes the importance of freedom in relationships, particularly in friendships. He suggests that genuine friendship cannot exist in a restrictive or controlling environment; rather, it flourishes in open spaces where individuals can fully express themselves. The ability to forgive and overlook minor grievances is also a hallmark of strong friendships, indicating a deep understanding and bond between friends.
Themes
FriendshipFreedomCommunicationForgivenessTrust
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the value of friendships, one might quote this to highlight the importance of freedom in relationships.
More from William Penn
All quotes βWhere thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
Similar quotes
One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.
SophoclesRead
All things are in common among friends.
DiogenesRead
A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes; The naked every day he clad When he put on his clothes.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
You don't appreciate things until they're gone. For me, I miss my friends; I don't miss boxing, I miss the camaraderie.
Sugar Ray LeonardRead
The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest of nights.
Giotto Di BondoneRead
They're a rotten crowd', I shouted across the lawn. 'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead