The word, friend, covers a wide range of meanings. It can be a nodding acquaintance, a comrade, a confidant（知己，密友）, a partner, a playmate, an intimate colleague, etc.

 

Everyone needs friendship. No one can sail the ocean of life single-handed. We need help from, and also give help to, others. In modern society, people attach more importance to relations and connections. A man of charisma¹（魅力） has many friends. His power lies in his ability to give.

 

As life is full of strife²（冲突，争吵） and conflict, we need friends to support and help us out of difficulties. Our friends give us warnings against danger. Our friends offer us advice with regard to how do deal with various situations. True friends share not only our joys but also our sorrows.

 

With friendship, life is happy and harmonious³. Without friendship, life is sad and unfortunate. I have friends in high positions and friends in the rank and file. Some are rich and in power. Some are relatively⁴ poor and without power. Some are like myself, working as a teacher, reading and writing, content with a simple life. We all care for each other, love and help each other. We feel we are happiest when we chat and exchange ideas with one another. With my friends, I know what to treasure, what to tolerate and what to share.

 

I will never forget my old friends, and I'll keep making new friends. I will not be cold and indifferent to my poor friends, and I will show concern for them, even if it is only a comforting word.

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