Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The shifts of fortune test the reliability of friends.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friends are revealed in times of difficulty and change.
This quote by Cicero suggests that the true nature of friendship is often revealed during challenging circumstances. When faced with changes in fortune or difficult times, it becomes clear who our reliable friends are, as they stand by us and support us through adversity. The statement emphasizes the idea that real friends are those who remain steadfast and dependable regardless of life's ups and downs.
Themes
FriendsFortuneReliabilityAdversitySupport
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of friendships in difficult times.
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