“The rule of friendship means there should be mutual sympathy between them, each supplying what the other lacks and trying to benefit the other, always using friendly and sincere words.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The rule of friendship means there should be mutual sympathy between them, each supplying what the other lacks and trying to benefit the other, always using friendly and sincere words.”
Explanation
Cicero defines true friendship as a relationship grounded in mutual understanding, generosity, and kindness. He emphasizes that real friends complement one another, offering support where the other is weak and working continually for each other’s well-being. Crucially, this exchange must be guided by sincerity and goodwill, reflected in gentle and honest communication, which sustains trust and affection.
This quote draws from Laelius de Amicitia, Cicero’s famous treatise on friendship, where he insists that friendship must be based on virtue and moral harmony. For Cicero, friendship is not merely a source of pleasure but a moral alliance—a union where both parties seek the good of the other as an extension of their own integrity. The absence of self-interest and the presence of sympathy and candor are what elevate it above transactional relationships.
In modern times, Cicero’s view continues to resonate. In a world of fleeting connections and digital interactions, his words remind us that authentic friendship requires effort, empathy, and sincere dialogue. It is not only about emotional support but about actively helping each other grow, with compassion, loyalty, and mutual respect as its foundation.
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