We the People interview (1996)
Context: I do not believe that friendship today can flower out — can come out — of political life. I do believe that if there is something like a political life to be — to remain for us, in this world of technology — then it begins with friendship.
Therefore my task is to cultivate disciplined, self-denying, careful, tasteful friendships. Mutual friendships always. I-and-you and, I hope, a third one, out of which perhaps community can grow. Because perhaps here we can find what the good is.
“While once friendship in our western tradition was the supreme flower of politics, I think that if community life exists at all today, it is in some way the consequence of friendship cultivated by each one who initiates it.”
We the People interview (1996)
Context: While once friendship in our western tradition was the supreme flower of politics, I think that if community life exists at all today, it is in some way the consequence of friendship cultivated by each one who initiates it. This goes beyond anything which people usually talk about, saying each one of you is responsible for the friendships he/she can develop, because society will only be as good as the political result of these friendships.
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Ivan Illich 66
austrian philosopher and theologist 1926–2002Related quotes
“Before the flowers of friendship faded friendship faded.”
This phrase was used as the title of a work published in 1931, but was originally used in Ch. LXII of A Novel of Thank You, written in 1925-1926, but not published until 1958 by the Yale University Press
Gautama Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya, Mahāvagga, verse 2
Unclassified
First annual message to Congress (1 June 1841).
Source: How to Become President (1940), Ch. 6 : How not to offend anybody
As quoted in Beverley Male (1982) Revolutionary Afghanistan: A Reappraisal, page 183
In page=91
Remembering Our Leaders: Mahadeo Govind Ranade by Pravina Bhim Sain
“Flowers are lovely; love is flower-like;
Friendship is a sheltering tree”
"Youth and Age", st. 2 (1823–1832).
Context: Flowers are lovely; love is flower-like;
Friendship is a sheltering tree;
Oh the joys that came down shower-like,
Of friendship, love, and liberty,
Ere I was old!