My friend is one who takes me for what I am. A stranger…
“My friend is one who takes me for what I am. A stranger takes me for something else than what I am. . . . What men call social virtues, good fellowship, is commonly but the virtue of pigs in a litter which lie close together to keep each other warm. It brings men together in crowds and mobs in bar-rooms and elsewhere, but it does not deserve the name of virtue.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that popular social customs often mask selfish, animalistic motives rather than true moral virtue.
In simple terms: Social gatherings can hide selfishness.
Key Takeaway
Question true motives behind social rituals.
Themes
social critique
human nature
virtue
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- political gatherings
- workplace teams
- community events
- online forums
Key Concepts
collectivism
selfishness
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see authentic virtue in any social setting?
- How can we distinguish genuine fellowship from self‑interest?
A Different Perspective
May overlook genuine kindness that exists in groups.