Some seem to make a man a friend, or try to do so, because he lives near, because he is in the same business, travels on the same line of railway, or for some other trivial reason. There cannot be a greater mistake.
—Avebury.
Take heed of thy friends. A faithful friend is a strong defence; and he that hath found such a one hath found a treasure. Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
—Proverbs.
There is no surer bond of friendship than an identity and community of ideas and tastes. What sweetness is left in life if you take away friendship? Robbing life of friendship is like robbing the world of the sun.
—Cicero.