The Friendship that Injureth

Name: The Friendship that Injureth
Author: Thiruvalluvar

The work explores the nature of friendship, emphasizing the distinction between genuine and superficial relationships. It warns against those who feign affection for personal gain, highlighting that such friendships are insincere and ultimately harmful. The text illustrates the dangers of associating with individuals who are opportunistic, comparing them to thieves and harlots, suggesting that their motives are self-serving rather than altruistic. It advocates for the value of solitude over the company of untrustworthy friends, asserting that the betrayal of a friend in times of need is more painful than the absence of friendship altogether. The text posits that the enmity of wise individuals is preferable to the closeness of foolish companions, indicating that true wisdom lies in discerning the quality of one's relationships. The work further critiques those who obstruct others' progress while pretending to be supportive, advising a gradual withdrawal from such toxic friendships. It underscores the bitterness of recalling associations with deceitful individuals, who may speak kindly in private but disparage others publicly. The overall message is a cautionary tale about the importance of choosing friends wisely, valuing integrity and loyalty over superficial charm and flattery.

By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2004 · Genre: Philosophical, Moral, Didactic · 276 words

First lines

Behold the men who look as if they would eat thee up for very love, but who love thee not in their hearts: their friendship is sweeter in the waning than in the waxing.

Behold the unworthy wretches who would fawn on thee when it is to their profit and forsake thee when thou canst serve them no more: what mattereth it whether thou gain their friendship or lose it?

Behold the men that calculate how much they can gain by a friend: they are of the same class with harlots and thieves.

There are men who are like the unbroken horse which throweth down its rider on the battlefield and gallopeth away: it is far better to be lonely than to have such men for friends.

What this Textopian page supports

The Friendship that Injureth is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2004 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Thiruvalluvar
Date: 2004 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical, Moral, Didactic, Poetry, Self-help
Length: 276 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Friendship that Injureth by Thiruvalluvar
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Similar titles

Genres

Philosophical — The text explores deep themes of friendship, loyalty, and the nature of human relationships, characteristic of philosophical discourse.
Moral — The work imparts moral lessons about the value of true friendship versus false companionship, emphasizing ethical considerations.
Didactic — The text serves an educational purpose, teaching readers about the dangers of insincere friendships and the importance of discernment.
Poetry — The writing style employs poetic elements, including metaphor and imagery, to convey its messages effectively.