Friendship Quote by Thomas Wolfe
““The only shame George Webber felt was that at one time in his life, for however short a period, he broke bread and sat at the same table with any man when the living warmth of friendship was not there; or that he ever traded upon the toil of his brain and the blood of his heart to get the body of a scented whore that might have been better got in a brothel for some greasy coins. This was the only shame he felt. And this shame was so great in him that he wondered if all his life thereafter would be long enough to wash out of his brain and blood the last pollution of its loathsome taint.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe, 1957
The narrator feels deep shame for compromising his integrity by associating with people lacking genuine friendship and for exploiting his intellect and emotions for fleeting, immoral pleasures.
In simple terms: Shame from betraying values and using oneself for cheap thrills.
Key Takeaway
Guard your integrity and seek authentic connections.
Themes
integrity
friendship
morality
shame
Mood
regret
reflective
Type
philosophical
confessional
When to use this quote
- career choices
- personal relationships
- ethical dilemmas
- self‑assessment
Key Concepts
existential guilt
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What compromises have you rationalized?
- How can you rebuild trust after a moral lapse?
A Different Perspective
Even after remorse, guilt can linger and affect future decisions.
