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To be sure, in the way merely of society, a man may be a friend

to many without being necessarily over-complaisant, but being

truly good: but one cannot be a friend to many because of their

virtue, and for the persons' own sake; in fact, it is a matter

for contentment to find even a few such.

Chapter XI.

Again: are friends most needed in prosperity or in adversity?

they are required, we know, in both states, because the

unfortunate need help and the prosperous want people to live with

and to do kindnesses to: for they have a desire to act kindly to

some one.

To have friends is more necessary in adversity, and therefore in

this case useful ones are wanted; and to have them in prosperity

is more honourable, and this is why the prosperous want good men

for friends, it being preferable to confer benefits on, and to

live with, these. For the very presence of friends is pleasant

even in adversity: since men when grieved are comforted by the

sympathy of their friends.