Really enjoyed this summary! I think we could all do with a reminder to be a better friends to the friends we have... and to appreciate them. Good friends really are a sign of a life lived well.
Not only love but wisdom emerges from true friendship. As Cicero points out conversing with a true friend is not only similar to talking to yourself but, in doing so openly and truthfully, you begin to find answers to some of your questions.
I’m also pleasantly struck with the knowledge that if we mourn excessively for the death of another we actually are centered more on ourselves than the deceased.
Loved this write up. Big fan of Philip freeman’s work. I should write that Cicero died in 43 BC not 63 BC.
Yes, of course! Sometimes I write 63 because that was big age when he died! I’ll correct the main text, thanks for pointing that out.
Reading & pondering the true importance of a true friend ! Thanks ✍️
Really enjoyed this summary! I think we could all do with a reminder to be a better friends to the friends we have... and to appreciate them. Good friends really are a sign of a life lived well.
Not only love but wisdom emerges from true friendship. As Cicero points out conversing with a true friend is not only similar to talking to yourself but, in doing so openly and truthfully, you begin to find answers to some of your questions.
I’m also pleasantly struck with the knowledge that if we mourn excessively for the death of another we actually are centered more on ourselves than the deceased.
Thomas, yes, that bit about mourning excessively struck a cord with me as well.
Sure I’d like to be a friend with Cicero, but I thought he was past being available. Thank goodness Massimo Pigliucci is here--and writes so well!
Much obliged, my friend!
I thought of each, while reading Cicero’s piece, years back, and again on re read recently. Yours brought a smile once again...🙏
Glad to hear it!
I’m very fortunate, to have 3...ranging from 30+ to 65+ year’s duration. Still in touch with each, quite regularly tho they live far off.
So many wonderful nuggets of wisdom in this piece!