Acquaintance Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“No man can promise himself even fifty years of life, but any man may, if he please, live in the proportion of fifty years in forty-let him rise early, that he may have the day before him, and let him make the most of the day, by determining to expend it on two sorts of acquaintance only-those by whom something may be got, and those from whom something maybe learned.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays on the Art of Being, 1820
Life is short; focus on meaningful relationships that either give you something or teach you something.
In simple terms: Prioritize useful and instructive acquaintances.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate purposeful connections.
Themes
friendship
time management
learning
purpose
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- networking
- mentorship
- personal development
- daily planning
Key Concepts
ethics
pragmatism
social philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Who adds value to your life?
- How do you balance giving and receiving?
A Different Perspective
Not all acquaintances are beneficial.
![“[On an anarchist acquaintance:] Everything in appearance the most alarmist aunt could wish.” quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae9/sylvia-townsend-warner-7063_acquaintance_on-an-anarchist-acquaintance-everything_72515.jpg)
![“[Books] will visit you at your convenience, whether you are lonesome or not, on rainy days or fair. They propose themselves as either transient acquaintances or permanent friends. They will stay as long as you like, departing or returning as you wish. Their friendship entails no obligation. Best…” quote by Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08b/clifton-fadiman-11053_acquaintance_books-will-visit-you-at-your-convenience_75546.jpg)
