Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.

Meaning

The quote suggests a deeper observation about friendship. It conveys that friendships grow through trust and support, while also implying that small gestures strengthen friendships.

Theme

Themes related to friendship resonate because they touch daily life. They remind us that communication keeps friendships strong and reflect that friendships add joy and stability.

About the Author

A number of familiar sayings are associated with Tacitus. This one stands out due to its focus on friendship.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What is the message?
friendships grow through trust and support.

Why is it shared?
It captures a universal truth about friendship.

What can we learn?
we appreciate the people around us is an important part of daily life.