Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friendship requires freedom and open communication, thriving in an environment where each individual can express themselves without constraints.
In this quote, William Penn emphasizes the importance of freedom in relationships, particularly in friendships. He suggests that genuine friendship cannot exist in a restrictive or controlling environment; rather, it flourishes in open spaces where individuals can fully express themselves. The ability to forgive and overlook minor grievances is also a hallmark of strong friendships, indicating a deep understanding and bond between friends.
Themes
FriendshipFreedomCommunicationForgivenessTrust
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the value of friendships, one might quote this to highlight the importance of freedom in relationships.
More from William Penn
All quotes →Where thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
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PythagorasRead
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.
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Billy CrystalRead
Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words.
George EliotRead