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About this quote

What does it mean?
Friendships endure when each friend feels a slight superiority over the other.
In plain terms
Friendships survive when each feels a bit superior.
What can you take from it?
A healthy ego balance can sustain friendships.

Where it applies

  • long‑term friendships
  • teamwork
  • social clubs

Putting it to work

  • encourage mutual respect
  • avoid excessive humility

Questions to consider

  • Why does a hint of superiority help?
  • What is the risk of overconfidence?

Another view

Too much superiority can breed resentment.

More from Honore de Balzac

  1. Rien n'est-il si discret qu'un jeune visage, parce que rien n'est plus immobile. La figure d'une jeune femme a le calme, le poli, la fraicheur de la surface d'…

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  2. He has great tranquility of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men.

    Permalink to quote #129
  3. Mais la raison est toujours mesquine aupres du sentiment; l'une est naturellement bornee, comme tout ce qui est positif, et l'autre est infini.

    Permalink to quote #126

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