A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess, but a friend loves the man himself.
James BoswellRead
Friendship, "the wine of life," should, like a well-stocked cellar, be continually renewed.
Interpretation
Friendship should be cherished and nurtured over time, much like fine wine.
In this quote, James Boswell emphasizes the importance of friendship in life, comparing it to wine that enhances experiences. Just as a well-stocked cellar requires regular replenishment to maintain its value and quality, friendships also need ongoing effort and care to thrive and remain meaningful.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of relationships, you can quote Boswell to encourage your audience to invest in their friendships.
A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess, but a friend loves the man himself.
There is nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends.
He who has provoked the lash of wit, cannot complain that he smarts from it.
Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others. Sometimes it does. But the danger is, that while a man grows better pleased with himself, he may be growing less pleasing to others. Wine gives a man nothing. It neither gives him knowledge nor wit; it only animates a man, and enables him to bring out what a dread of the company has presented.
We must reach out our hand in friendship and dignity both to those who would befriend us and those who would be our enemy.
Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.
Friend of my bosom, thou more than a brother, Why wert thou not born in my father's dwelling?
If you laugh with somebody, then you know you share something.
We must meet our duty and convince the world that we are just friends and brave enemies.
Young friends, do not hesitate to follow the example of Pedro, who 'pleased God and was loved by him' and who, having come to perfection in so short a time, lived a full life.
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