Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver…
“Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. New-made friendships, like new wine, Age will mellow and refine. Friendships that have stood the test - Time and change - are surely best; Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray, Friendship never knows decay. For 'mid old friends, tried and true, Once more we our youth renew. But old friends, alas! may die, New friends must their place supply. Cherish friendship in your breast- New is good, but old is best; Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
New friendships are valuable, but long‑standing ones are precious, likened to gold versus silver, emphasizing the enduring worth of old friends.
In simple terms: New friends are silver; old friends are gold.
Key Takeaway
Cherish long‑term friendships.
Themes
friendship
time
value
Mood
nostalgic
warm
Type
poetic
reflective
When to use this quote
- social networking
- life milestones
Key Concepts
sociology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain old friendships?
- What new connections enrich your life?
A Different Perspective
None; may idealize old friendships.