---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Love and esteem are the first principles…"
description: "\"Love and esteem are the first principles of friendship; it is always imperfect if either of these two are wanting.\" — Eustace Budgell"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4be/eustace-budgell-43998_esteem_love-and-esteem-are-the-first-principles_904983.png"
---

#  Love and esteem are the first principles of friendship; it…

![“Love and esteem are the first principles of friendship; it is always imperfect if either of these two are wanting.” quote by Eustace Budgell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4be/eustace-budgell-43998_esteem_love-and-esteem-are-the-first-principles_904983.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4be/eustace-budgell-43998_esteem_love-and-esteem-are-the-first-principles_904983.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4be/eustace-budgell-43998_esteem_love-and-esteem-are-the-first-principles_904983.png)

> “Love and esteem are the first principles of friendship; it is always imperfect if either of these two are wanting.”

[Eustace Budgell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eustace-budgell/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Friendship requires both love and respect; lacking either makes the relationship flawed.

**In simple terms:** Friendship needs love and respect.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate both love and respect.

Themes

friendship respect esteem relationship dynamics

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

- teamwork
- mentorship
- family ties
- community building

Key Concepts

ethics social psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance love and respect?
- What signs show a friendship is missing one?

A Different Perspective

One may be present without the other, causing imbalance.

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