Friends are generally of the same sex, for when men and women agree, it is only in the conclusions; their reasons are always different.
George SantayanaRead
The reason 'closure' is a cliche is that it is used too often, too imprecisely, and doesn't in any case reflect reality. In reality, such closure in broken friendships and much else in life is rarely achieved; only death brings closure and then not always for those still living.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Closure in relationships is often oversimplified and rarely fully achieved.
In this quote, Joseph Epstein emphasizes the complexities of human relationships, particularly the idea of 'closure' after a friendship ends. He argues that the concept is clichéd and misused, as true closure is rarely attained, often being a vague notion that does not align with reality; only death may bring a sense of closure, and even then, it can leave unresolved feelings for those who remain.
Themes
ClosureFriendshipRelationshipsLossEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about healing after a breakup, you might say, 'As Joseph Epstein points out, closure is often a misleading notion in relationships.'
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