Earth Quote by Guillaume-Chretien de Lamoignon de Malesherbes
“To what gods is sacrificed that rarest and sweetest thing upon earth, friendship? To vanity and to interest.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Discours sur la liberté, 1762
Friendship is sacrificed for vanity and personal gain, showing how self‑interest erodes true bonds.
In simple terms: Friendship is lost to selfishness.
Key Takeaway
Guard against selfish motives in relationships.
Themes
friendship
vanity
self‑interest
morality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
ethical sacrifice
human values
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal gains have you prioritized over friendships?
- How can you nurture genuine connections?
A Different Perspective
Friendship can survive if self‑interest is checked.
