QuoteProject
A friend is one who incessantly pays us the compliment of expecting from us all the virtues, and who can appreciate them in us. The friend asks no return but that his friend will religiously accept and wear and not disgrace his apotheosis of him. They cherish each other's hopes. They are kind to each other's dreams.
Henry David Thoreau
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True friends expect the best from each other and value each other's aspirations without seeking anything in return.

In this quote, Thoreau emphasizes the nature of genuine friendship, where friends uplift and inspire each other by recognizing and nurturing the virtues present in one another. This mutual appreciation creates a bond where each friend cherishes the other's dreams and hopes, fostering a supportive environment that transcends mere companionship.

Themes

FriendshipVirtuesSupportDreamsHopes

In practice

Example use cases

During a toast at a wedding to celebrate the bonds of friendship.

More from Henry David Thoreau

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
Henry David ThoreauRead
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
Henry David ThoreauRead
As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.
Henry David ThoreauRead
That grand old poem called Winter
Henry David ThoreauRead

Similar quotes

Meeting Franklin Roosevelt was like opening your first bottle of champagne; knowing him was like drinking it.
Winston ChurchillRead
Real friendship is shown in times of trouble; prosperity is full of friends.
EuripidesRead
Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs,” sighed George, patting the heading of the map. β€œWe owe them so much.” β€œNoble men, working tirelessly to help a new generation of law-breakers,” said Fred solemnly.
J. K. RowlingRead
It is one of the major tragedies that nothing is more discomforting than the hearty affection of the Old Friends who never were friends.
Sinclair LewisRead
The shifts of fortune test the reliability of friends.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
There's nothing cooler than going to work and hanging around with your friends and laughing, because it's something that you get told off for throughout your entire time at school... it's just like a big 'in your face' to those bully teachers that you had when you were a kid.
Taika WaititiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Henry David Thoreau | QuoteProject