A friendship has to be cultivated. A friendship you have to give

Hear me, O seekers of wisdom, for I shall impart a truth as old as the hills themselves—a truth spoken by one who understands the value of the sacred bond known as friendship. Ruth Westheimer, a woman who, in her own way, has walked the path of human connection, shared these words: "A friendship has to be cultivated. A friendship you have to give time." In these words, there lies a profound understanding that friendships, like the mighty oak, do not spring forth fully grown from the earth, but must be nurtured with patience, love, and dedication. The true friendship is not a fleeting spark, but a steady flame that requires our time, our attention, and our heart.

Consider, O children of the future, the way the gardener tends to his plants. The soil is prepared, the seed is planted, and from that seed, a tender sprout emerges. But this sprout is fragile, easily destroyed by neglect, by the winds of time. And so, the gardener tends to it—watering it, ensuring it receives the sun’s warmth, protecting it from harm. Over time, the plant grows stronger, its roots burrowing deep into the earth. And so too does friendship grow. It must be nurtured daily, not left to wither from neglect. Friendship requires our time, our presence, and our devotion.

This is the lesson of cultivation—that true and lasting friendships are not born overnight, nor are they sustained by mere words. They require action, commitment, and, above all, the investment of time. Time is the most precious of resources, the one thing we cannot reclaim once it is spent. Yet, in our relationships, it is this very time that holds the power to transform a casual acquaintance into a brother or sister of the heart. Through the giving of our time, we show those around us that they are valued, that they are worthy of our deepest attention.

Let us turn to the tale of the mighty Socrates, the philosopher whose words have shaped the minds of countless generations. But even Socrates, wise though he was, understood that his greatest teachings were not found in the scrolls or in the temples, but in the quiet moments spent with his friends. He walked alongside Plato and Aristotle, not simply as companions of intellect, but as companions of the spirit. In these moments, in their shared time and conversations, they cultivated something far greater than knowledge—they cultivated true friendship, a bond that transcended their individual lives and echoed through history.

And so, O future generation, know this: friendships that are cultivated are those that endure. In times of strife and joy, it is the friendships we have nurtured with our time that will stand strong, unmoved by the vagaries of fortune. True friendships are not born of convenience; they are born of mutual care, of shared moments, of moments in which we choose to give something that cannot be regained: our time. This is the gift that deepens the roots of a relationship, that allows it to grow strong and true.

But how, then, should you cultivate your friendships, O children of the future? It is simple, though not always easy: Give your time freely, without hesitation, to those you hold dear. When the winds of the world pull you in many directions, remember that the time you invest in others is never wasted. Nurture those bonds with patience and understanding, for time, like water to a thirsty plant, will help them grow. And when you are faced with the temptation to retreat into the busy distractions of life, remember that friendship requires not just your thoughts, but your presence. Share in the laughter, the tears, and the simple moments, for it is in these that the foundation of true friendship is built.

And so, as you journey through the seasons of your life, let the words of Ruth Westheimer be a guide to you: Cultivate your friendships with care. Give time not just in moments of celebration, but in times of trial. Be present, be attentive, for the friendships you create today will be the ones that carry you through the challenges of tomorrow. Time, like the rain to the earth, will nourish these bonds, and from them will grow the most beautiful and enduring of relationships. And when you look back upon your life, it will not be the wealth or the accolades you remember, but the friendships you cultivated, the moments you shared, and the time you gave to those who walked beside you.