Inudo (Nude Giant) Michelangelo
Article from "The Voice of Reason, Virtue and Soul"
[Ancient Rome] by Cicero, translated by Wang Xiaochao
First of all, we must prevent differences between friends, and if there is discord, we must also make the friendship disappear naturally, rather than breaking off friends. Be careful not to allow friendship to turn into serious hostility, which is the root of strife, foul language and anger. However, even if this happens, if you can tolerate it, you should still try to endure it; cherish your old friend, even if he does something wrong, you will rather hurt others than let him be hurt.
Don't be hasty in giving love, and don't give love to those who are despicable. Make friends with people who are worth making spiritually and intellectually. Such a person is indeed very rare now! Great things are always scarce, and finding something perfect is harder.
Most people think that there is nothing good in our lives unless it brings us benefits, they treat their friends like their cattle and sheep, and in their minds, what can bring them the greatest benefit is the most valuable. Thus they cannot attain the purest and most spontaneous friendship, which is aimed at friendship itself; nor can they appreciate from their own experience the power, nature and scope of such friendship. For every man loves himself not because he can profit from himself, but because he is his dearest; it is impossible to find a true friend unless such emotions are transferred to friendship; for a friend is another self.
The interaction between friends is diverse, complex, suspicion and offense are common things, sometimes it is wise to ignore it, sometimes it can be big things into small things, small things can be made small, and sometimes it is necessary to be tolerant. But sometimes offense cannot be avoided in order to preserve friendship and your loyalty; for friends must not only be reminded often, but often admonished, and should be gladly accepted as long as the friend's admonition is well-intentioned. (From: Philosophy and Art)