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About this quote

What does it mean?
Friendship is framed as a duty or obligation rather than a benefit to be exploited. It suggests that valuing friendship as a responsibility leads to healthier relationships.
In plain terms
Friendship is a duty you must honor, not a chance to take advantage.
What can you take from it?
Treat friendship as a responsibility to honor rather than a benefit to exploit.

Where it applies

  • personal relationships
  • social ethics
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • honoring commitments
  • supporting friends
  • avoiding exploitation

Questions to consider

  • Do you view friendship as a duty or a gift?
  • How do you honor your friends?

Another view

It may make friendship feel burdensome rather than enjoyable.

More from Khalil Gibran

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  3. Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a human being.

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