HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIEND

HOW TO CHOOSE A FRIEND

BENEFICIAL FRIENDSHIP AND HARMFUL FRIENDSHIP

A Philosophical Approach to Life

By

VIKRAM KARVE

I invest in books. 

 

Just like some other investments, where one invests and forgets about it for years, sometimes I buy a book and may not read it for years.

Whenever I buy a book, I always write the date and place of purchase. 

 

This morning while I was cleaning my bookcase, I came across a book titled A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy which I had picked up on 26 Jan 2003 at the annual Strand Book Fair at Churchgate Mumbai. I opened a random page and here is the gem of ancient wisdom that I read the following words about types of Friendship:

Confucius said:

 

There are three kinds of Friendship which are Beneficial and three kinds of Friendship which are Harmful.

BENEFICIAL FRIENDSHIPS

Friendship with the Upright, 

Friendship with the Truthful, and 

Friendship with the well-informed 

is BENEFICIAL

HARMFUL FRIENDSHIPS

Friendship with those who flatter, 

Friendship with those who are meek and so weak that they compromise with their principles, and 

Friendship with those who talk cleverly 

is HARMFUL

So, dear reader, while selecting who to befriend, bear in mind the above analect of Confucius, invest in beneficial friendships and make good friends. and avoid friendship with those who can cause you harm.  

Well, I always believe that it is best to have a philosophical approach to life. So I am going to read this book of ancient wisdom, and, from time to time, I will share with you some gems of ancient wisdom with you in my blog.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
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Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

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