Some men storm imaginary Alps all their lives, and die in the foothills cursing difficulties which do not exist.
E. W. HoweRead
When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friendship is about taking initiative and offering help without being asked.
This quote emphasizes the importance of being proactive in supporting a friend who is experiencing difficulties. It suggests that rather than simply asking how you can help, which may come off as insincere or irritating, one should take the initiative to thoughtfully identify a way to assist and then act on it, embodying true friendship and care.
Themes
FriendshipSupportInitiativeHelpingCare
In practice
Example use cases
In a group discussion about how to support friends, one might use this quote to highlight proactive support.
More from E. W. Howe
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There can be no Friendship where there is no Freedom. Friendship loves a free Air, and will not be penned up in straight and narrow Enclosures. It will speak freely, and act so too; and take nothing ill where no ill is meant; nay, where it is, 'twill easily forgive, and forget too, upon small Acknowledgments.
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The eye of perfected friendship with God is aware of deeper dimensions of reality, to which the eyes of the average man and the average Christian are not yet opened.
Josef PieperRead