Friendship and sentiment and the giving of one's words are very

In the tapestry of life, there are few treasures more enduring than the bonds we form with others. Michael Cimino reminds us of this truth when he says, "Friendship and sentiment and the giving of one's words are very important." These words, though simple, carry the weight of a timeless wisdom passed down through generations: that friendship, rooted in genuine connection, and sentiment, the depth of emotional sharing, are foundational to the very essence of what it means to be human. And the giving of one's words—the act of offering our thoughts, our truths, and our emotions to others—is not merely an exchange of information, but a profound act of vulnerability and trust.

In the ancient world, friendship was not a fleeting connection or a casual bond, but a sacred commitment that was woven into the fabric of society. The Greeks, who revered the power of philia, understood that true friendship required not just shared activities or common interests, but a deep and abiding respect for one another’s character and integrity. Aristotle, in his writings, spoke of the virtue of friendship, saying that it was essential for the good life, as it allowed individuals to grow in wisdom and honor. Similarly, Cimino reminds us that friendship, when founded on sincere sentiment, is an enduring and powerful force in life.

In the lives of the ancient heroes, we see examples of friendship and sentiment that were tested through trials and hardship. Consider the bond between David and Jonathan in the Bible. Their friendship, forged in the heat of battle and marked by deep sentiment for one another, was built not on superficial ties, but on a mutual respect and love that transcended the political and familial divides of their time. Their relationship was a reflection of the giving of words, as they often spoke their hearts and truths to each other, allowing their friendship to withstand even the most testing of circumstances. The strength of their bond was not in physical proximity, but in the emotional exchange and the sincerity of their communication.

In the same way, the giving of one’s words in friendship is an act of sacrifice and connection. To speak truthfully, to offer one’s thoughts and feelings, is to lay oneself bare before another, trusting that the relationship will honor that vulnerability. The ancient Romans, for instance, understood the importance of words in both personal and public life. The orator Cicero was renowned for his eloquent speeches, but it was also his ability to connect with others on a personal level that made his friendships so strong. He valued the exchange of words as a means of building and nurturing relationships, and he often said that friendship could only thrive when each person spoke honestly and openly, sharing not just thoughts, but the deeper sentiments that lie beneath them.

Cimino’s assertion that sentiment and the giving of words are important also speaks to the power of communication in creating and maintaining lasting connections. In friendship, words serve as the bridge between hearts. They are not mere tools of communication, but vessels that carry the weight of love, compassion, and understanding. Just as the Greek orators used their words to move and inspire nations, so too do we use words to build the foundations of trust and mutual respect in our friendships. Without the ability to communicate openly and with sincerity, even the strongest of bonds can erode, like a castle built on shifting sands.

The lesson for us is clear: to build and maintain true friendships, we must give freely of our words and our emotions. Friendship, as Cimino wisely states, is not a passive state but a dynamic one. It requires effort and vulnerability—the willingness to share our thoughts, our fears, and our joys without expectation of anything in return, except the understanding that comes from true connection. Like the ancient philosophers, we must practice honesty and openness in our relationships, understanding that sentiment and the giving of words are the glue that binds hearts together.

In our own lives, let us take this lesson to heart. Let us not be afraid to express our emotions and our truths in our friendships. Let us value the power of words not just as a means of communication, but as a means of connection—a way to share our inner worlds and to listen to the worlds of others. In this way, we cultivate friendships that are rooted in genuine sentiment and honesty, relationships that stand the test of time, not because they are built on convenience or surface-level interactions, but because they are formed on the foundation of deep emotional sharing.

So, let us honor the importance of friendship and sentiment, understanding that the giving of our words is a gift to those we care about. Let us, like the ancients, seek to build friendships that are not just defined by moments of joy, but by the exchange of our deepest truths and most profound emotions. In doing so, we will create bonds that transcend the fleeting moments of life and stand as enduring testaments to the power of connection, trust, and genuine affection.