Friendship Essay
Emerson writes about how rare and precious true friendship is. He says most of our social interactions are polite but shallow. A real friend is someone you can be completely yourself with, without any pretending.
He believes two key things make a great friendship:
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Truth: The ability to be totally honest and share your real thoughts.
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Tenderness: A deep care and affection for the other person.
True friendship isn't about constant contact or small talk. It's a spiritual connection that makes you a better person. It should be treated with respect and patience, not rushed. He concludes that the only way to have a great friend is to be one yourself.
Key Points Broken Down Simply:
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We Have More Love Than We Show: Deep down, people are connected by a general kindness, even for strangers we pass by.
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Friendship is Energizing: Being with a true friend brings joy and makes you smarter and more creative.
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The "Perfect" Stranger vs. The Real Friend: We often get excited meeting someone new, imagining they are perfect. But the moment they show their flaws and opinions, the "magic" can fade if it wasn't real.
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Friendship is Not for Weakness: It's not about needing someone. True friendship is between two strong, independent people who choose to be together.
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Don't Force It: You can't rush a deep friendship. It must grow naturally. Trying to get too close too fast (meeting family, constant visits) can ruin the pure connection.
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A Friend is a "Masterpiece": A true friend is like a mirror showing you a better version of yourself.
In short, Emerson sees friendship as a high-level, spiritual bond based on truth, respect, and mutual growth, not just casual socializing.
Source: friendshipessay.com
