Friendship Quote by John Gardner
““We human beings glimpse lofty ideals, catch ourselves betraying them, and sink to suicidal despair--despair from which only the love of our friends can save us, since friends see in us those nobler qualities we ourselves, out of long familiarity, have forgotten we possess. That, of course, is why the suicidal person is difficult around his friends.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Grendel, John Gardner, 1971
People often fail to live up to their ideals, leading to despair that only true friendship can alleviate because friends remind us of our forgotten virtues.
In simple terms: Despair from unmet ideals can be eased by friends who see our best qualities.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate deep friendships that reflect your higher self.
Themes
friendship
despair
self‑realization
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- mental health crises
- personal growth
- support networks
- self‑esteem
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities do your friends see in you that you overlook?
- How can you become a better friend to yourself?
A Different Perspective
Friends may not always recognize or address the root causes of despair.
