I boldly assert, in fact I think I know, that a lot of friendships and connections absolutely depend upon a sort of shared language, or slang. Not necessarily designed to exclude others, this can establish a certain comity and, even after a long absence, re-establish it in a second.
Interpretation
Friendships thrive on shared language and experiences, creating bonds that can quickly reconnect people.
Christopher Hitchens emphasizes that friendships often rely on a common language or slang that can foster a sense of community among friends. This shared communication style is not meant to alienate others but rather strengthens the connection, allowing those who have been apart to quickly rekindle their relationship when they reunite.
In practice
In a reunion speech, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of shared experiences.
In a public dialogue with Salman in London he [Edward Said] had once described the Palestinian plight as one where his people, expelled and dispossessed by Jewish victors, were in the unique historical position of being 'the victims of the victims': there was something quasi-Christian, I thought, in the apparent humility of that statement.
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
Never ask while you are doing it if what you are doing is fun. Don't introduce even your most reliably witty acquaintance as someone who will set the table on a roar.
[E]xceptional claims demand exceptional evidence.
The worst days are when you feel foggy in the head - chemo-brain they call it. It's awful because you feel boring. As well as bored. And stupid. And resigned.
Let me tell you something: for hundreds of thousands of years, this kind of discussion would have been impossible to have, or those like us would have been having it at the risk of our lives. Religion now comes to us in this smiley-face, ingratiating way — because it’s had to give so much more ground and because we know so much more. But you’ve got no right to forget the way it behaved when it was strong, and when it really did believe that it had God on its side.
The real frienship is like fluorescence, it shines better when everything has darken.
We are one in Christ; let us be friends with one another; but let us never be friends with one another’s error. If I be wrong, rebuke me sternly; I can bear it, and bear it cheerfully; and if ye be wrong, expect the like measure from me, and neither peace nor parley with your mistakes.
Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend.
To make a point of declaring friendship is to cheapen it. For men's emotions are very rarely put into words successfully.
It is one of the major tragedies that nothing is more discomforting than the hearty affection of the Old Friends who never were friends.
ANTIPATHY, n. The sentiment inspired by one's friend's friend.
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