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About this quote

What does it mean?
People prefer companions who make them feel more fond of themselves.
In plain terms
People like friends who make them feel better about themselves.
What can you take from it?
Seek company that affirms your self worth.

Where it applies

  • socializing
  • dating
  • team dynamics

Putting it to work

  • give compliments
  • reflect positively
  • choose friends wisely

Questions to consider

  • Do you seek validation in friends?
  • How do you make others feel good?

Another view

It reduces relationships to ego validation rather than mutual growth.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

    Permalink to quote #52
  2. No place affords a more striking conviction of the vanity of human hopes than a public library.

    Permalink to quote #54
  3. In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it.

    Permalink to quote #51

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