Friends do not live in harmony merely, as some say, but in melody.
     - Henry David Thoreau, Journal entry, 1841

Thoreau’s thoughts on love and friendship surprised me more than any other aspect of the research I did for Thoreau And The Art Of Life. The book is based on his journals, which totaled two million words. He thought deeply and profoundly about love and friendship. He was a sensitive man. When his brother died of lockjaw (tetanus), Thoreau suffered from lockjaw symptoms for several months. Here are a few of his entries on friendship.

Friends... they cherish one another's hopes. They are kind to one another's dreams.
- (undated)

Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream-world into reality.
- (undated)

In the love of narrow souls I make many short voyages but in vain - I find no sea room - but in great souls I sail before the wind without a watch, and never reach the shore.
- (undated)

The language of friendship is not words but meanings.
- (undated)

Between whom there is hearty truth, there is love.
- (undated)

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
     -Journal entry, 1839

And now another friendship is ended. I do not know what has made my friend doubt me, but I know that in love there is no mistake, and that every estrangement is well-founded.
- Journal entry, February 8, 1857

I honor your Gods
I drink from your well
I bring an unprotected heart to our meeting place.
I hold no cherished outcome
I will not negotiate by withholding
I am not subject to disappointment. 

- Druid Friendship vow.

The latest chapter of my upcoming book, the working title of which is now, “45 Insights Into Living A Quality Life On Your Own Terms,” can now be viewed here:

Choose your friends carefully; choose your tribe carefully.
Protect your time; protect your energy.