Two worn wooden chairs face a round table with two cups and a small vase in warm afternoon light.

Original artwork, not a still

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

A close friend gives you room to speak before you've worked out exactly what you mean. You can share an unfinished thought without putting on a performance. Emerson makes that freedom to be sincere the heart of friendship.

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