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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.'

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
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There's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.
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When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
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And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
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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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