Friendship is the only good connected to external objects, as the other goods are virtues and reside in the spirit. Yet friendship is not severed from the internal goods, as a bond of loyalty and compassion is necessarily predicated on the sublime virtues, lest it decay and implode. In this fashion friendship can become a shared good between persons, a pact as resolute as conviction in the cardinal goods, transcendent of the caprice and destruction of fortune. This companionship is the only bond worth pursuing, as all other relationships are worthless and fall to the wayside in the face of misfortune or change of circumstance. Of these latter delusions which fade and are now as they never were, it is ideal to rather devote our labors to great projects, so as to not waste time and patience. But how can friendships based upon the altar of virtue and fealty be constituted? By offering it to all, and holding a high scrutiny of the character of others, albeit a silent scrutiny. In this manner the wise enrich the world with acts of kindness, magnanimity and heroic generosity while expecting nothing back, only content to offer their loyalty to those who value, and more importantly live, in the nature of the camp-bed and cloak, the Greek lifestyle. When we do encounter those tempered of forming a virtuous friendship, we must seize upon it, for that sort of companionship is rare as it is precious. Until then, keep this maxim constantly in mind:
Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company. – George Washington