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I want to be distinguished from the rest; to tell the truth, a friend to all mankind is not a friend for me.
Moliere
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True friendship is exclusive and requires deeper connections rather than being overly accommodating to everyone.

In this quote, Moliere expresses the belief that being loved or accepted by everyone may dilute the authenticity of friendship. He values deeper, more meaningful relationships with a select few over a superficial bond with the masses, suggesting that true friendship requires intimacy and distinction from the crowd.

Themes

FriendshipTruthAuthenticityConnectionsDistinction

In practice

Example use cases

During a toast at a wedding, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of meaningful friendships.

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I always do the first line well, but I have trouble doing the others.
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Betrayed and wronged in everything, I’ll flee this bitter world where vice is king, And seek some spot unpeopled and apart Where I’ll be free to have an honest heart. - Molière, The Misanthrope
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Long is the road from conception to completion.
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Oh, I may be devout, but I am human all the same.
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Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtue.
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