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it is the ordinary lot of people to have no friends if they themselves care for nobody
William Makepeace Thackeray
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People often find themselves without friends if they do not show care or interest in others.

This quote by William Makepeace Thackeray highlights the reciprocal nature of friendship. It suggests that individuals who do not invest time and care in other people are likely to find themselves alone, as friendships require mutual affection and effort to develop and sustain. Essentially, to have friends, one must be friendly and show genuine concern for others.

Themes

FriendshipCareRelationshipsSolitudeMutual

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about building lasting connections, one might say, 'It is the ordinary lot of people to have no friends if they themselves care for nobody.'

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The play is done; the curtain drops,_x000D_ _x000D_ Slow falling to the prompter's bell_x000D_ _x000D_ A moment yet the actor stops_x000D_ _x000D_ And looks around to say farewell.
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The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
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