Above all things, be not made an ass to carry the burdens…
“Above all things, be not made an ass to carry the burdens of other men if any friend desire thee to be his surety, give him a part of what thou has to spare if he presses thee further, he is not thy friend at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Do not become a burdensome guarantor for friends; if they press beyond what you can spare, they are not true friends.
In simple terms: Avoid over‑extending yourself for others.
Key Takeaway
Set healthy boundaries.
Themes
friendship
responsibility
boundaries
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- financial lending
- emotional support
Key Concepts
surety
exploitation
generosity
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to help beyond your means?
- How do you recognize genuine vs. exploitative requests?
A Different Perspective
Some may view generosity as essential, not a sign of false friendship.