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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Lysis by Plato: were ever worthy to bear the name of friends, will either of them entertain
any enmity or dislike of the other who was once so much to him. Neither
will he by 'shadowed hint reveal' the secrets great or small which an
unfortunate mistake has placed within his reach. He who is of a noble mind
will dwell upon his own faults rather than those of another, and will be
ready to take upon himself the blame of their separation. He will feel
pain at the loss of a friend; and he will remember with gratitude his
ancient kindness. But he will not lightly renew a tie which has not been
lightly broken...These are a few of the Problems of Friendship, some of
them suggested by the Lysis, others by modern life, which he who wishes to
make or keep a friend may profitably study. (Compare Bacon, Essay on
Lysis |
