How to Be a Friend

An Ancient Guide to True Friendship

Marcus Tullius Cicero, Philip Freeman, Philip Freeman

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Hardback

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English

Princeton University Pres
02 January 2019

Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500; Ethics & moral philosophy; Social & political philosophy; Latin

Series: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers

A splendid new translation of one of the greatest books on friendship ever written.

In a world where social media, online relationships, and relentless self-absorption threaten the very idea of deep and lasting friendships, the search for true friends is more important than ever. In this short book, which is one of the greatest ever written on the subject, the famous Roman politician and philosopher Cicero offers a compelling guide to finding, keeping, and appreciating friends. With wit and wisdom, Cicero shows us not only how to build friendships but also why they must be a key part of our lives. For, as Cicero says, life without friends is not worth living.

Filled with timeless advice and insights, Cicero's heartfelt and moving classic — written in 44 BC and originally titled De Amicitia — has inspired readers for more than two thousand years, from St. Augustine and Dante to Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Presented here in a lively new translation with the original Latin on facing pages and an inviting introduction, How to Be a Friend explores how to choose the right friends, how to avoid the pitfalls of friendship, and how to live with friends in good times and bad. Cicero also praises what he sees as the deepest kind of friendship — one in which two people find in each other 'another self' or a kindred soul.

An honest and eloquent guide to finding and treasuring true friends, How to Be a Friend speaks as powerfully today as when it was first written.

'[A]stutely translated...

We learn that friendship is, in the end, an art form.' —Tracy Lee Simmons, City Journal

'Originally written in 44 BC, the advice in this book is as timely as ever, perhaps even more so in view of the changing nature of friendship to include the online dimension.' — Paradigm Explore

By: Marcus Tullius Cicero
Introduction by: Philip Freeman
Translated by: Philip Freeman
Imprint: Princeton University Pres
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 171mm, Width: 114mm,
ISBN: 9780691177199
ISBN 10: 0691177198
Series: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 02 January 2019
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for How to Be a Friend: An Ancient Guide to True Friendship

"""[A]stutely translated . . . . We learn that friendship is, in the end, an art form.""---Tracy Lee Simmons, City Journal ""Originally written in 44 BC, the advice in this book is as timely as ever, perhaps even more so in view of the changing nature of friendship to include the online dimension."" * Paradigm Explorer *"