There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote emphasizes the value of authentic relationships. It highlights the importance of having people in our lives who we can trust, confide in, and rely on. This quote reminds us that true friendship is a rare and precious thing, and it's something that should be cherished and valued above all else. It's a reminder that material possessions and worldly success are not as important as the relationships we cultivate with others. This quote encourages us to invest in our relationships and to appreciate the people who stand by us through thick and thin.
Who said the quote?
The quote "There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One of the most poignant historical examples that illustrates the value of true friendship is the bond between Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII of England. Their friendship began when More was a prominent lawyer and scholar, admired for his intellect and moral integrity, and Henry, as a young king, found in More an advisor who shared his humanistic ideals. The relationship was one of mutual respect and genuine affection, with Henry famously referring to More as his "dear friend."
However, this friendship was put to the ultimate test during one of the most turbulent periods in English history. Henry VIII, desperate for a male heir and frustrated by his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, sought to annul the marriage and marry Anne Boleyn. When the Pope refused to grant the annulment, Henry decided to break away from the Roman Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England with himself as the Supreme Head. This decision led to the drafting of the Act of Supremacy, requiring all subjects to acknowledge the King's authority over the church.
Sir Thomas More, a devout Catholic and a man of unwavering principle, could not in good conscience support this break with Rome. Despite the immense pressure from Henry and the knowledge that his refusal would cost him dearly, More chose to remain silent rather than betray his beliefs. His silence was interpreted as defiance, leading to his arrest and imprisonment in the Tower of London. Throughout this ordeal, Henry tried to persuade More to endorse the Act, hoping to maintain their friendship. But More, though anguished by the rift, remained steadfast.
Ultimately, More was tried for treason and executed in 1535. As he faced his death, More declared that he died "the King's good servant, but God's first." The tragedy of their friendship lies in the fact that both men deeply valued the other, but More’s commitment to his conscience outweighed even the bonds of friendship.
This historical example underscores the quote's message: true friendship is a rare and precious bond, but it is also one that must be rooted in mutual respect and integrity. More's friendship with Henry was one of the most valued aspects of his life, yet when forced to choose between compromising his principles and preserving that friendship, More chose the path of integrity. The tragedy illustrates that while true friendship is to be prized above almost all else, it cannot survive when it demands a sacrifice of one's core values.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In everyday life, the value of true friendship can be seen in how we support and stand by each other through difficult times. Imagine a scenario where you have a close friend who is facing a moral dilemma—perhaps they are being pressured at work to engage in unethical practices, such as manipulating data or deceiving clients. This friend confides in you, expressing their fear of losing their job if they refuse to comply. As a true friend, your role isn’t just to offer comfort or surface-level advice, but to help them navigate this challenging situation with their integrity intact.
You might remind them of their principles and the long-term consequences of compromising them. You might also offer to help them explore alternative solutions, such as seeking a new job or reporting the unethical practices to higher authorities. If they decide to stand their ground, even at great personal cost, your friendship can provide the emotional support they need to carry through with their decision.
The quote can also be applied in the context of everyday honesty and trust. For example, if a friend asks for your opinion on a difficult subject, true friendship means offering your honest perspective, even if it might be uncomfortable to hear. It’s easy to tell someone what they want to hear, but true friendship is based on trust and the willingness to provide guidance that is in the other person’s best interest, rather than simply maintaining harmony at the surface level.
In both cases, the quote reminds us that true friendship is not just about enjoying good times together, but about being there for each other when it really counts. It’s about the kind of loyalty and support that can withstand challenges, even when doing so requires difficult conversations or decisions. True friendship is, indeed, one of the most prized relationships on earth because it is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and a deep commitment to each other's well-being, even when the path is difficult.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
