The quote “It is a maxim of old that among themselves all things are common to friends” essentially means that true friendship is characterized by a sense of shared ownership and mutual generosity. In the context of a deep, trusting relationship, what belongs to one friend also belongs to the other. This extends beyond material possessions and includes shared experiences, emotions, ideas, and burdens.
This saying emphasizes the importance of reciprocity in friendships.It suggests that in genuine friendships there’s no room for selfishness or possessiveness; everything is shared equally whether it’s joy or sorrow, success or failure.
This concept can be applied in today’s world where individualism often overshadows communal values. The quote reminds us about the essence of sharing and co-existing harmoniously with others which is crucial for building strong communities.
In terms of personal development, this idea encourages us to cultivate generosity and empathy towards others. It teaches us to be more open-minded and willing to share our resources or experiences with our friends for mutual growth. We learn not just from our own experiences but also from those we share with others.
Though, it’s critically important not to take this principle too literally as it doesn’t mean we should loose our individuality or personal boundaries within friendships. Instead, it signifies an emotional bond where friends feel comfortable enough to share their lives openly with each other while respecting each other’s autonomy.
