All quotes

If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

You can’t change the world alone — you will need some help — and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the good will of strangers and a strong coxswain to guide them.

The prime reason for social intercourse is mutual need; and as soon as that is satisfied, boredom drives people together once more.

the need of society drives the human porcupines together--only to be mutually repelled by the many prickly and disagreeable qualities of their nature

It is not kind in you to desire an increase of my friendship; that is to doubt it is not as great already as it can be, than which you cannot do me a greater injury.

The ultimate foundation of a free society is the binding tie of cohesive sentiment.

What signifies the census--this periodical numbering of men--to one who has no friend?

Communication is a process of sharing experience till it becomes a common possession.

It is only when life is sluggish within us that we speak: only at moments when reality lies far away, and we do not wish to be conscious of our brethren.

Some there are that have no silence, and that kill the silence around them, and these are the only creatures that pass through life unperceived.

There is nothing so unsociable and sociable as man, the one by his vice, the other by his nature.

Whereas having many friends puts people apart and severs and disunites them, by transferring and shifting the tie of friendship too frequently, and does not admit of a mixture and welding of goodwill by the diffusing and compacting of intimacy.

Society we must have; but let it be society, and not exchanging news, or eating from the same dish.

There is then no sympathy, but an uneasy craving after it, and a dissatisfaction which pursues you on the way, and in the end probably produces ill-humour.

Most of the friends I have seen have turned out the bitterest enemies, or cold, uncomfortable acquaintance.

Old companions are like meats served up too often, that lose their relish and their wholesomeness.

Whosoever is delighted in solitude, is either a wild beast or a god

The result of it all may be summed up in his favourite motto, “Be kind, for every one is fighting a hard battle.”

No relationship is easy. Everyone has low days and they can be difficult. What matters is if they understand what hurt you, they make room for your point with an open mind, they don't go cold, they try to fix the issue.

None of us is easy. None of us is perfect. But if you find someone who believes in you on your worst days and has your back when you are falling apart, they are worth taking chance with. To have someone appreciate and understand you is the greatest blessing.

Some people are meant to be part of one chapter of your story and some stay longer. Everyone has a role to play. There's a reason they meet you. Enjoy every season while it lasts. Don't force connection. Don't regret anything. Every presence is meaningful if you look back later.

Some people will like you and some won't. And it's ok. You don't like many people either. You aren't meant to be everyone's cup of tea. Don't chase. Teach people to treat you right. Choose those who see the value your presence brings. Others don't matter.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

None knows the weight of another's burden.