“Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends.”
Explanation
Cicero highlights a profound truth about the nature of friendship and human priorities: people are often more attentive to their material possessions than to their relationships. While one might easily count livestock or wealth, true friends are fewer, harder to define, and more easily taken for granted. The quote serves as a critique of how we measure value, suggesting that what is most meaningful is often least counted or truly understood.
This reflection comes from Cicero’s Laelius de Amicitia, where he explores the qualities of genuine friendship—based on virtue, trust, and mutual respect—not mere acquaintances or alliances of convenience. His point is that while property is managed with care, friendships are often neglected, assumed, or misunderstood, even though they are far more essential to a good and meaningful life.
In modern times, Cicero’s observation resonates amid a culture where social media “friends” are numerous but often superficial. His words challenge us to reflect not on the quantity of our relationships, but on their quality—to know and cherish true friends as carefully as we track what we own, and to recognize that what truly enriches life cannot always be measured, but must be deeply valued.
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