Associates Quote by Isocrates
“Make no man your friend before inquiring how he has used his former friends; for you must expect him to treat you as he has treated them. Be slow to give your friendship, but when you have given it, strive to make it lasting; for it is as reprehensible to make many changes in one's associates as to have no friends at all. Neither test your friends to your own injury nor be willing to forego a test of your companions.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Treatise, 4th century BC
Friendship should be granted cautiously, based on observed behavior, and once given, should be nurtured and stable.
In simple terms: Choose friends wisely and value lasting relationships.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate trust through careful judgment.
Themes
trust
relationships
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal networks
- business partnerships
- community building
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical conduct
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate a trustworthy friend?
- How can you balance caution with openness?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on caution can hinder openness to new connections.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
