“ What makes one friend sure of another is the knowledge of his integrity ”
Étienne de La Boétie, Discourse on Voluntary Servitude (1576). copy citation
Author | Étienne de La Boétie |
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Source | Discourse on Voluntary Servitude |
Topic | integrity self-knowledge |
Date | 1576 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by Harry Kurz |
Weblink | https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Discourse_on_Voluntary_Servitude |
Context
“Friendship is a sacred word, a holy thing; it is never developed except between persons of character, and never takes root except through mutual respect; it flourishes not so much by kindnesses as by sincerity. What makes one friend sure of another is the knowledge of his integrity: as guarantees he has his friend's fine nature, his honor, and his constancy. There can be no friendship where there is cruelty, where there is disloyalty, where there is injustice. And in places where the wicked gather there is conspiracy only, not companionship:”
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