What Books?

“We clearly care about The Same Truth, You and I.”

“And instantly they stand together in an immense solitude. Lovers seek for privacy. Friends find this solitude about them, this barrier between them and The Herd, whether they want it OR NOT. They would be glad to reduce it. The first two would be glad to find a third. 

In our own time Friendship arises in the same way. For us of course the shared activity and therefore the companionship on which Friendship supervenes will not often be a bodily one like hunting or fighting. 

It may be a common religion, common studies, a common profession, even a common recreation. All who share it will be our companions; but one or two or three who share something more will be our Friends. In this kind of love, as Emerson said, Do you love me? means ‘Do you SEE The Same Truth?’ — Or at least, “Do you CARE about The Same Truth?” 

The Man who agrees with us that some question, little regarded by others, is of Great Importance, can be our Friend. He need not AGREE with us about The ANSWER. 

That is why those pathetic people who simply “want friends” can never make any. 

The very condition of having Friends is that we should want Something Else •besides• Friends. 

Where The Truthful Answer to the Question 

‘Do you see The Same Truth’ 

would be 

“I see nothing and I don’t care about The Truth; I only want a Friend”, 

no Friendship can arise — though Affection of course may. 

There would be nothing for the Friendship to be about; and Friendship must be •about• something, even if it were only an enthusiasm for dominoes or white mice. 

Those who have Nothing can Share Nothing; 

Those who are Going Nowhere can have no Fellow-Travellers.”