What men have given the name of friendship to is nothing…
“What men have given the name of friendship to is nothing but an alliance, a reciprocal accommodation of interest, an exchange of good offices; in it is nothing but a system of traffic, in which self-love always proposes to itself some advantage.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Friendship is often a self‑serving alliance where personal gain drives mutual aid.
In simple terms: Friendships can be self‑interest driven.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine, altruistic relationships.
Themes
friendship
self‑interest
social contracts
human nature
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- networking
- ethical behavior
Key Concepts
reciprocity
egoism
social exchange
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value loyalty over advantage?
- How can you foster selfless connections?
A Different Perspective
Assuming all friendships are transactional ignores deeper bonds.