“The essence of friendship is entireness, a total magnanimity and trust.”
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.
“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“It was for beauty that the world was made.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary sourceMore quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson →
“There is no little enemy.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“I will not be triumphed over.”
— Cleopatra Disputed“You may delay, but time will not.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“You had to trust the people you worked with completely or not at all, and you had to make decisions about the trusting.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary sourceFriendship Honesty Trust Kindness Magnanimity