--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The reason we have few friends in…" description: "\"The reason we have few friends in adversity, is, because we have no true ones in prosperity.\" — Norm MacDonald" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png" --- # The reason we have few friends in adversity, is, because… ![“The reason we have few friends in adversity, is, because we have no true ones in prosperity.” quote by Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png) > “The reason we have few friends in adversity, is, because we have no true ones in prosperity.” [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. In hard times we notice that many acquaintances disappear, revealing that only genuine friends stay loyal through both good and bad. **In simple terms:** True friends stay in both good and bad times. Key Takeaway Cherish and seek authentic relationships. Themes friendship adversity loyalty Mood reflective thoughtful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - career setbacks - personal crises - financial loss - health challenges Key Concepts social support trust authenticity Questions to Reflect On - Who are the people that support you unconditionally? - How can you become a better friend in prosperity? A Different Perspective Not everyone can be a true friend; some relationships are situational. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) [Adversity True](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity-true-5659411/) [Few friends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/few-friends/) [Friends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friends/) [Friends Adversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friends-adversity-1032563/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Ones Prosperity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ones-prosperity-5941294/) [Prosperity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prosperity/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [True ones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-ones/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [Adversity is the true school of the mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katharine-lee-bates/adversity-is-the-true-school-of-the-mind/) [Katharine Lee Bates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katharine-lee-bates/) > [Prosperity has many friends, even adversity has a few friends, but originality practicing the reality of altruistic humanity in life has only true friends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anuj-somany/prosperity-has-many-friends-even-adversity-has-a-few-friends-but-2/) [Anuj Somany](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anuj-somany/) > [Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/prosperity-makes-friends-adversity-tries-them/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [Prosperity makes friends and adversity tries them. A true friend is one soul in two bodies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/prosperity-makes-friends-and-adversity-tries-them-a-true-friend-is/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [Prosperity has many friends, even adversity has a few friends, but originality practising the reality of altruistic humanity in life has a scarce of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anuj-somany/prosperity-has-many-friends-even-adversity-has-a-few-friends-but/) [Anuj Somany](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anuj-somany/) > [It is prosperity that gives us friends, adversity that proves them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/proverbs/it-is-prosperity-that-gives-us-friends-adversity-that-proves-them/) [Proverbs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/proverbs/) > [Prosperity getteth friends, but adversity trieth them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-ling/prosperity-getteth-friends-but-adversity-trieth-them/) [Nicholas Ling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-ling/) > [If one were loyal to one's nation only because it was good and true ... one would not be loyal to any nation but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-eastman/if-one-were-loyal-to-one-s-nation-only-because-it-was-good-and-true/) [Max Eastman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-eastman/) > [I had learnt from experience that many false opinions may be exchanged for true ones, without in the least altering the habits of mind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-stuart-mill/i-had-learnt-from-experience-that-many-false-opinions-may-be/) [John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/) > [Assertion of truths known and felt, promulgation of truth from the high platform of truth itself, declaration of faith by the mouth of moral…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-g-holland/assertion-of-truths-known-and-felt-promulgation-of-truth-from-the/) [J. G. Holland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-g-holland/) > [He prayed on Fridays with the Muslims, on Saturdays with the Jews and on Sundays with the Christians. 'Since each religion claims that it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ahmad-ibn-rustah/he-prayed-on-fridays-with-the-muslims-on-saturdays-with-the-jews-and/) [Ahmad ibn Rustah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ahmad-ibn-rustah/) > [“There is not one true self hidden by many false ones. Rather, there is one true self hidden by many other true ones”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathan-hill/there-is-not-one-true-self-hidden-by-many-false-ones-rather-there-is/) [Nathan Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathan-hill/) > [False beliefs can be every bit as consoling as true ones, right up until the moment of disillusionment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/false-beliefs-can-be-every-bit-as-consoling-as-true-ones-right-up/) [Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/) > [There's nothing in the world like buried treasure-and people hungry and obsessed enough to risk their lives for it. Pirate Hunters isn't just a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-meltzer/there-s-nothing-in-the-world-like-buried-treasure-and-people-hungry/) [Brad Meltzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-meltzer/) > [In life, we never lose friends we only get to know who the true ones are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ace-kid/in-life-we-never-lose-friends-we-only-get-to-know-who-the-true-ones/) [Ace Kid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ace-kid/) ## More by Norm MacDonald > [In estimating the adversities of life, we would seldom have much reason to complain of the evils we suffer, did we understand the dangers…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/in-estimating-the-adversities-of-life-we-would-seldom-have-much/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [Chastity is oftener owing to diffidence and shame, than to fortitude of reason or virtue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/chastity-is-oftener-owing-to-diffidence-and-shame-than-to-fortitude/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [The first principle of solid wisdom is discretion, without it all the erudition of life is merely bagatelle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/the-first-principle-of-solid-wisdom-is-discretion-without-it-all-the/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [I'd say Jon Stewart has remained funny the entire time. Jon always makes it funny first. And he's just, he's talking about serious things,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/i-d-say-jon-stewart-has-remained-funny-the-entire-time-jon-always/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [Liberty, like health, appears most precious when lost.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/liberty-like-health-appears-most-precious-when-lost/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [In theatres, you're kind of disconnected. Also, it's way too big for the likes of me. Unless you're Robin Williams or someone that can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/in-theatres-you-re-kind-of-disconnected-also-it-s-way-too-big-for-the/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [After months of speculation, the sitcom star Ellen DeGeneres admitted that yes, she's gay. Inspired by her courage, today, diet-guru Richard Simmons admitted that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/after-months-of-speculation-the-sitcom-star-ellen-degeneres-admitted/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [So much in L.A. is waiting. It's so irritating. That's what's good about stand-up. You can go away, and you don't have to sit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/so-much-in-l-a-is-waiting-it-s-so-irritating-that-s-what-s-good-about/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [You ever hear guys with small cocks talk about sex? Can't talk about it enough. They even got poems. They'll say, 'It's not the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/you-ever-hear-guys-with-small-cocks-talk-about-sex-can-t-talk-about/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [My dad died, and my grandfather died, and my great-grandfather died. And the guy before him, I don't know. Probably died.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/my-dad-died-and-my-grandfather-died-and-my-great-grandfather-died-and/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [ Louis \[C.K.\] is great. But I don't know how many you could do. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/louis-c-k-is-great-but-i-don-t-know-how-many-you-could-do/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [I don't have any ego about it, but I find there's not a great work ethic in show business. A lot of people are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/i-don-t-have-any-ego-about-it-but-i-find-there-s-not-a-great-work/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [Many people are skeptical about marriage of Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Pressley. They say, Lisa Marie is more of a sit at home…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/many-people-are-skeptical-about-marriage-of-michael-jackson-and-lisa/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [Back in the old days, a man could just get sick and die. Now they have to wage a battle. So my Uncle Bert…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/back-in-the-old-days-a-man-could-just-get-sick-and-die-now-they-have/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) > [The man that does not fear punishment, little regards crime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/the-man-that-does-not-fear-punishment-little-regards-crime/) [Norm MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) [Explore all 205 Norm MacDonald quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/) ## More Adversity quotes > [We love playing together and we love adversity. You know, back-to-back, the two best teams in the East.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-nash/we-love-playing-together-and-we-love-adversity-you-know-back-to-back/) [Steve Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-nash/) > [When we have public success we also have private struggles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deion-sanders/when-we-have-public-success-we-also-have-private-struggles/) [Deion Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deion-sanders/) > [“The threats that resurfaced in the past 10 years were not an aberration. Al Qaeda and terrorism or one such threat, but it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-friedman/the-threats-that-resurfaced-in-the-past-10-years-were-not-an/) [George Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-friedman/) > [He who is content with what has been done is an obstacle in the path of progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-keller/he-who-is-content-with-what-has-been-done-is-an-obstacle-in-the-path/) [Helen Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-keller/) > [“Friction is necessary. Ease of life leads to complacency and the atrophy of the human will and spirit. Within our struggles lives our strength,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-versey/friction-is-necessary-ease-of-life-leads-to-complacency-and-the/) [Jason Versey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-versey/) > [“Every adversity is just another opportunity to excel a little more.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-templet/every-adversity-is-just-another-opportunity-to-excel-a-little-more/) [Michel Templet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-templet/) > [“Just because she doesn't talk about it, doesn't mean she isn't feeling it. She hurts, but she won't wear it on her sleeve. She…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfa-h/just-because-she-doesn-t-talk-about-it-doesn-t-mean-she-isn-t-feeling/) [Alfa H](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfa-h/) > [Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-buckham-kennedy/every-trial-endured-and-weathered-in-the-right-spirit-makes-a-soul/) [James Buckham Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-buckham-kennedy/) > [Honesty, by evil fortune tried, Finds in adversity the seed of praise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ovid/honesty-by-evil-fortune-tried-finds-in-adversity-the-seed-of-praise/) [Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ovid/) > [“Struggles are not associated to a particular people or creed, everyone struggles, not for the same reasons, but each has a personal struggle at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-chirisa/struggles-are-not-associated-to-a-particular-people-or-creed-everyone/) [Wayne Chirisa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-chirisa/) > [“Watch a man in times of adversity to discover what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretius/watch-a-man-in-times-of-adversity-to-discover-what-kind-of-man-he-is/) [Lucretius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretius/) > [God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/god-often-hides-his-blessing-in-trouble-or-trial-which-makes-it-all/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [“Life is not about less mistakes but about more trials”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-e-sever/life-is-not-about-less-mistakes-but-about-more-trials/) [S.E. SEVER](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-e-sever/) > [Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/show-your-contempt-for-the-problem-and-your-concern-for-the-person/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-everything-feels-like-an-uphill-struggle-just-think-of-the-view/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Browse all 5,001 Adversity quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversity/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The reason we have few friends in adversity, is, because we have no true ones in prosperity.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Norm MacDonald" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-adversity-is-because-we-have-no/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Adversity" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-adversity-is-because-we-have-no/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/norm-macdonald-1825_adversity_the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-advers_3200741.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The reason we have few friends in adversity, is, because we have no true ones in prosperity.” — Norm MacDonald", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Norm MacDonald", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norm-macdonald/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The reason we have few friends...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-adversity-is-because-we-have-no/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norm-macdonald/the-reason-we-have-few-friends-in-adversity-is-because-we-have-no/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```