“A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friendship (Primary source)
Emerson’s Friendship, a seminal text on the topic, explores true companionship as a sacred bond rooted in mutual respect, integrity, and spiritual growth. It argues genuine friendship requires self-reliance and honesty, elevating individuals to their highest selves.
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The law of nature is, do the thing, and you shall have the power: but they who do not the thing have not the power.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Disputed“Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source