Skip to content

Age Quote by Nicolas Chamfort

“The new friends whom we make after attaining a certain age and by whom we would fain replace those whom we have lost, are to our old friends what glass eyes, false teeth and wooden legs are to real eyes, natrual teeth and legs of flesh and bone.” quote by Nicolas Chamfort
Download Open image
“The new friends whom we make after attaining a certain age and by whom we would fain replace those whom we have lost, are to our old friends what glass eyes, false teeth and wooden legs are to real eyes, natrual teeth and legs of flesh and bone.”

Nicolas Chamfort

About This Quote

Source Essay: Maximes, 1736, Nicolas Chamfort

Later friendships are superficial substitutes for deep, original bonds, lacking authenticity and substance.

In simple terms: New friends are shallow replacements for old ones.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine connections, not mere replacements.

Themes

friendship authenticity loss age comparison

Mood

reflective melancholic thoughtful

Type

philosophical advice literary

When to use this quote

  • elderly companionship
  • grieving a lost friend
  • making new acquaintances
  • evaluating relationships

Key Concepts

social substitution authentic bonds human connection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you value depth over convenience in friendships?
  • How can you nurture authentic bonds later in life?
A Different Perspective

Superficial friendships may never fulfill emotional needs.

2.3 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Nicolas Chamfort

Explore all 169 Nicolas Chamfort quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes