This quote emphasizes the importance of being cautious when forming new friendships. It suggests that one should take time to understand and know a person before considering them a friend. The value of a friendship is not in its speed of formation, but in its durability and strength over time. The “slowness” to fall into friendship could be seen as a period of evaluation, where we assess the other person’s values, character, and actions to determine if they align with ours.
The second part of the quote speaks to the commitment required in a friendship. Once a friendship is formed, it should be nurtured and maintained with consistency and firmness. The phrase ”continue firm & constant” implies that true friendship is not fleeting or transient, but rather something that is steadfast and enduring.
In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant given the nature of social media and online relationships. We can easily ”friend” someone with a click of a button, but it takes much more to build a meaningful and lasting friendship. It requires time, effort, mutual respect, and understanding. This quote is a reminder that we should be selective in who we allow into our inner circles and once we do, we should cherish and uphold these relationships.
In terms of personal development, this quote underscores the importance of quality over quantity in our relationships. It encourages us to invest our time and energy into building strong and lasting friendships, rather than spreading ourselves thin across many shallow connections. It also reminds us to be mindful and discerning in our choice of friends, as they can greatly influence our thoughts, actions, and overall personal growth.
