You cannot get on in the world without friends. You tread the golden
bridge of friendship over many a chasm which could not otherwise be
crossed. Friendless people must always languish on the side
of hopelessness.
Friendships do not come by chance, and neither do they force themselves
upon you. Friendship, like everything else worth while, is the reward of
proper effort.
Friends must be made in the spirit of unselfishness. They are an
advantage, it is true, but they must not be sought merely for purposes
of advantage. Nothing wins friends so well nor keeps them so long as the
unselfish disposition to be helpful. The most valuable friend is the
friend who is one for friendship’s sake alone.
A strong friendship is seldom effervescent. The cordiality which is always
foaming over is apt to have about the consistency and permanence of the
foam which it resembles. The best type of friendship is poised, constant,
steady, and true to the end. Dependability is worth more in friendship
than is mere demonstration. You can expect this quality in others only
when it characterizes your own attitude toward others.
When you speak of an absent friend, it would be well to imagine him
present and listening to what is being said. Speak as gently of those who
do not hear as of those who do. Speak frankly to the friend beside you,
for insincerity never yet aided a friendship. Speak kindly of the friend
who is away from you, for unkind speech has yet to win its first victory
for the speaker.
Speak of your enemies as though they were your friends, and some day they
may become your friends. A kindly tongue and a helping hand for all would
soon garland the earth with sunshine and happiness.