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Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.
C. S. Lewis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Friendship, like art and philosophy, isn't essential for survival but enriches our existence.

C. S. Lewis emphasizes that while friendship may not be necessary for basic survival needs, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life. Without the companionship and joy that friendships bring, life would lack depth and fulfillment, making friendships as valuable as art and philosophy, which provide meaning beyond mere existence.

Themes

FriendshipValueLifePhilosophyArt

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of friendship at a graduation ceremony.

More from C. S. Lewis

A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
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I enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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