There is nothing more becoming any wise man, than to make choice of friends, for by them thou shalt be judged what thou art: let them therefore be wise and virtuous, and none of those that follow thee for gain; but make election rather of thy betters, than thy inferiors.
Interpretation
Choosing friends wisely reflects one's character and values.
This quote emphasizes the importance of selecting friends who are wise and virtuous, suggesting that one's character is often judged by the company they keep. It advocates for associating with individuals of higher moral standards rather than those motivated by self-interest, illustrating that true friendship should be based on mutual respect and integrity.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a graduation speech to highlight the importance of choosing wise companions.
Passions are liken'd best to floods and streams:_x000D_ _x000D_ The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb;_x000D_ _x000D_ So, when affection yields discourse, it seems_x000D_ _x000D_ The bottom is but shallow whence they come._x000D_ _x000D_ They that are rich in words, in words discover
Silence in love betrays more woe - Than words though ne'er so witty; A beggar that is dumb, you know, may challenge double pity.
Even such isTime, which takes in trust Our youth, our joys, and all we have, And pays us but with age and dust, Who in the dark and silent grave When we have wandered all our ways Shuts up the story of our days, And from which earth, and grave, and dust The Lord shall raise me up, I trust.
If she undervalues me, _x000D_ _x000D_ What care I how fair she be?
If all the world and love were young,_x000D_ _x000D_ And truth in every shepherd's tongue,_x000D_ _x000D_ These pretty pleasures might me move_x000D_ _x000D_ To live with thee, and be thy love.
It is the nature of men having escaped one extreme, which by force they were constrained long to endure, to run headlong into the other extreme, forgetting that virtue doth always consist in the mean.
My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.
Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.
Friendship is a serious affection; the most sublime of all affections, because it is founded on principle, and cemented by time.
Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse, and long-standing friends.
One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss, but in the number of things they need no longer mention.
The good man is the friend of all living things.
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