Themes
The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Emerson says friendship's real glory isn't the handshake, the smile or the good company. It's the lift you feel on learning that someone believes in you and trusts you. Being trusted, in his view, gives more than any warm gesture.
Context reviewed