None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
The true and not despairing Friend will address his Friend in some such terms as these. "I never asked thy leave to let me love thee,--I have a right. I love thee not as something private and personal, which is your own, but as something universal and worthy of love, which I have found. O, how I think of you! You are purely good, --you are infinitely good. I can trust you forever. I did not think that humanity was so rich. Give me an opportunity to live.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friendship is based on a deep, intrinsic respect and admiration for the other person's universal qualities, rather than merely personal attachment.
In this quote, Thoreau expresses the essence of genuine friendship that transcends mere personal connections. A true friend loves not only the individual but also the goodness and richness they represent in humanity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trust and recognition of the inherent value in a friend, suggesting that this love is both a right and a profound connection, capable of elevating one's existence.
Themes
FriendshipLoveTrustHumanityGoodness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of friendship, this quote can highlight the universality of love.
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