“Are you my friend because you are good, or good because you are my friend”
— Albert Camus
Simplified Meaning:
This quote makes us think about the true nature of friendship. It asks whether someone is your friend because they genuinely have good qualities, or if you see them as good because they are your friend. For instance, imagine two kids in school. If one kid helps others and is kind, everyone might want to be their friend because they are a good person. However, if someone is already your friend, you might overlook their flaws and think they are good just because you like them. It's a way to reflect on whether we value our friends for who they are or because we are close to them. Applying this idea, we should try to see people’s real qualities and not be blinded by our personal feelings. It teaches us to appreciate true goodness and be aware of our biases in friendship.
