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 only way to have a friend is to be one.”
— 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 →
“Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy.”
— Abraham Lincoln 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 source“He that can have patience can have what he will.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Capitalism works best when there is trust in the system.”
— Charlie Munger Primary sourceFriendship Honesty Trust Kindness Magnanimity