I always do the first line well, but I have trouble doing the others.
MoliereRead
I want to be distinguished from the rest; to tell the truth, a friend to all mankind is not a friend for me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friendship is exclusive and requires deeper connections rather than being overly accommodating to everyone.
In this quote, Moliere expresses the belief that being loved or accepted by everyone may dilute the authenticity of friendship. He values deeper, more meaningful relationships with a select few over a superficial bond with the masses, suggesting that true friendship requires intimacy and distinction from the crowd.
Themes
FriendshipTruthAuthenticityConnectionsDistinction
In practice
Example use cases
During a toast at a wedding, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of meaningful friendships.
More from Moliere
All quotes →Beauty without intelligence is like a hook without bait.
MoliereRead
Betrayed and wronged in everything, I’ll flee this bitter world where vice is king, And seek some spot unpeopled and apart Where I’ll be free to have an honest heart. - Molière, The Misanthrope
MoliereRead
Long is the road from conception to completion.
MoliereRead
Oh, I may be devout, but I am human all the same.
MoliereRead
Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtue.
MoliereRead
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Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Thou art not so unkind As mans ingratitude Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude. Heigh-ho sing, heigh-ho unto the green holly Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly. Then heigh-ho the holly This life is most jolly. Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky, That dost not bite so nigh As benefits forgot Though thou the waters warp, Thy sting is not so sharp As friend rememberd not.
William ShakespeareRead