Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The shifts of fortune test the reliability of friends.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friends are revealed in times of difficulty and change.
This quote by Cicero suggests that the true nature of friendship is often revealed during challenging circumstances. When faced with changes in fortune or difficult times, it becomes clear who our reliable friends are, as they stand by us and support us through adversity. The statement emphasizes the idea that real friends are those who remain steadfast and dependable regardless of life's ups and downs.
Themes
FriendsFortuneReliabilityAdversitySupport
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of friendships in difficult times.
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
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Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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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.
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A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies.
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