“Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins.”
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.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The years teach much which the days never know.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— 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 →
“A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller Disputed“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Man cannot live by technology alone.”
— Arnold J. Toynbee Primary source