I came to Venice for the first time in 1968 and was lucky enough

"I came to Venice for the first time in 1968 and was lucky enough to make the acquaintanceship, and then the friendship, of two Venetians, Roberta and Franco, who remain my best friends here after almost 50 years." These words from Donna Leon evoke a timeless truth about the nature of friendship—how it begins as a mere acquaintance and, over time, deepens into a bond of loyalty and trust. To befriend someone is not a mere accident of time and place; it is the result of shared experiences, mutual respect, and the nurturing of a connection that withstands the test of time. In this case, Leon speaks of a friendship forged in the heart of Venice, a city as ancient as the bonds of companionship itself. Here, we see that friendship is not bound by geography, but rather by the human need to connect with another soul.

The ancient Greeks, with their deep reverence for the power of human relationships, understood the sacredness of friendship. Aristotle famously wrote that the highest form of friendship is one grounded in virtue, where each person helps the other grow and become their best self. In this view, Leon’s relationship with Roberta and Franco mirrors that ideal. Their friendship, built over decades, is not based on mere proximity or circumstance, but on shared values, experiences, and a profound sense of mutual support. The fact that they remain her closest friends after almost 50 years is a testament to the enduring nature of relationships that are forged not by necessity, but by genuine connection.

Consider the tale of Homer’s Iliad, where the bond between Achilles and Patroclus is not merely one of warriors fighting side by side, but one that transcends battle and becomes a testament to the deep loyalty and respect between them. Their friendship is not rooted in temporary alliances, but in a bond that spans the course of their lives. When Patroclus dies in battle, it is the loss of his friend that spurs Achilles into a rage that is both personal and profound. In this ancient narrative, we see the depth of friendship—not just as a bond formed over time, but one that becomes an integral part of one’s identity and sense of purpose. Leon’s story of friendship, though set in a different era, speaks to the same enduring principle: that true friendship is a relationship that evolves and deepens over time, transcending the surface of casual acquaintance to become an essential part of one’s life.

The city of Venice, with its rich history, serves as the perfect backdrop for such a profound connection. As Leon suggests, it is not simply the city itself that made her bond with Roberta and Franco possible, but the unique nature of Venetian culture—a culture that values community, connection, and loyalty. Venice, a city built on water, is a place where relationships are often formed out of necessity and maintained through a shared understanding of the fragility of human existence. Just as the city’s canals weave together disparate parts of the city, so too do the relationships between its inhabitants, binding them with a sense of collective identity and mutual support. In this way, Venice itself becomes a metaphor for Leon’s friendship—something that grows and flourishes through the interactions of people who understand the value of human connection.

The passage of time also plays a crucial role in the story of Leon and her friends. When Leon reflects on their bond, which has lasted nearly five decades, she highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and shared history in cultivating a meaningful relationship. In our own lives, we may find that the friendships that stand the test of time are not those that begin with grand declarations or dramatic moments, but those that are nurtured quietly, through small acts of kindness, shared experiences, and a willingness to be present for one another. True friendship, as Leon shows us, is one that endures because it is built on trust and mutual respect, and because both parties continually invest in the relationship, even in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.

The lesson we can take from this is simple yet profound: friendship is a living, breathing thing that must be tended to over time. It is not something that can be rushed or forced, but something that evolves through shared moments, whether joyous or difficult. Leon’s relationship with Roberta and Franco teaches us that the best friendships are those that endure, growing deeper as the years pass. Time and experience are the crucibles in which true friendship is forged. Just as Leon has invested nearly fifty years in her bond with Roberta and Franco, we, too, must be willing to nurture the relationships that matter most to us, knowing that the rewards of such friendships are both immeasurable and lasting.

Thus, let us take this lesson to heart: in our own lives, let us seek to build and nurture friendships that are not based on convenience or fleeting desires, but on trust, loyalty, and a shared commitment to supporting each other. Whether we are in the canals of Venice or the streets of our own cities, friendship is the bridge that connects us to the richest parts of life. Like Leon’s bond with Roberta and Franco, may we cultivate friendships that endure through time and become an integral part of who we are, for in the end, it is friendship that gives meaning to the journey of life.