But I marvel when I observe these men setting themselves up as instructors of youth who cannot see that they are applying the analogy of an art with hard and fast rules to a creative process
IsocratesRead
Regard as your most faithful friends, not those who praise everything you say or do, but those who criticize your mistakes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friends are those who provide honest feedback rather than blind praise.
This quote by Isocrates emphasizes the value of constructive criticism in friendships. It suggests that genuine friends are those who care enough to point out our faults and mistakes, helping us grow, rather than just supporting us unconditionally without regard for our betterment.
Themes
FriendshipCriticismHonestyGrowthFeedback
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of true friendship, one might say, 'As Isocrates wisely stated, regard as your most faithful friends those who criticize your mistakes.'
More from Isocrates
All quotes βSpend your leisure time in cultivating an ear attentive to discourse, for in this way you will find that you learn with ease what others have found out with difficulty.
IsocratesRead
And let no one suppose that I claim that just living can be taught for, in a word, I hold that there does not exist an art of the kind which can implant sobriety and justice into depraved natures. Nevertheless, I do think that the study of political discourse can help more than any other thing to stimulate and form such qualities of character
IsocratesRead
It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement. Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs, therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity or undue depression in adversity.
IsocratesRead
Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.
IsocratesRead
Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the lowest ends, your life will be lacking in friends who will risk your displeasure for the highest good.
IsocratesRead
Similar quotes
Again and again, I learn how much friendship enriches my life, bringing warmth, assurance, humour, inspiration, a sense of security. It depends on honesty, trust, loyalty. It's about giving. It's for sharing the good times, but also the tough times, hurt, grief, sadness.
Quentin BryceRead
To avoid being mistaken for a sellout, I chose my friends carefully. The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist professors and structural feminists and punk-rock performance poets.
Barack ObamaRead
When I turned 40, I invited Johnny Cash to my party, even though I knew there was gonna be 200 people roasting a pig and wild as can be. He didn't come, but the next day, I got a bowl of chili he'd made and a note that said, 'John, I'd love to come to your party, but that would mean I would have to leave my house.'
John PrineRead
I'm down for you, so ride with me._x000D_ _x000D_ My enemies your enemies,_x000D_ _x000D_ Cause you ain't ever had a friend like me.
Tupac ShakurRead
A long visit to a friend is often a great bore. Never make people twice glad.
Abraham LincolnRead
There is no possession more valuable than a good and faithful friend.
SocratesRead