Believe Quote by Jonathan Swift
“Your notions of friendship are new to me; I believe every man is born with his quantum, and he cannot give to one without robbing another. I very well know to whom I would give the first place in my friendship, but they are not in the way, I am condemned to another scene, and therefore I distribute it in pennyworths to those about me, and who displease me least, and should do the same to my fellow prisoners if I were condemned to a jail.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift, 1726
Friendship is portrayed as a limited resource, suggesting that one cannot fully give to many without loss.
In simple terms: Friendship is limited and must be shared carefully.
Key Takeaway
Choose close, trustworthy friends.
Themes
friendship
scarcity
trust
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- community building
Key Concepts
social exchange
reciprocity
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide who deserves your deepest trust?
- Can friendship be expanded rather than divided?
A Different Perspective
Assumes relationships are zero‑sum, ignoring capacity for abundant generosity.
