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About this quote

What does it mean?
Socrates advises that genuine friendship is built by giving meaningful tokens of love, not by empty flattery.
In plain terms
Earn friends through sincere acts, not just compliments.
What can you take from it?
Show love through concrete actions, not just words.

Where it applies

  • making new friends
  • maintaining relationships
  • team building

Putting it to work

  • give thoughtful gifts
  • perform helpful deeds

Questions to consider

  • What actions best express appreciation?
  • How to balance words and deeds?

Another view

Some cultures value verbal affirmation highly.

More from Socrates

  1. From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate.

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.

    Permalink to quote #47

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