I think most relationships should be based on some sort of

O Seekers of Truth, listen closely to the words of Carey Hart, for within them lies a profound reflection on the nature of relationships and the deep roots of friendship. "I think most relationships should be based on some sort of friendship." In this statement, Hart speaks to the core of human connection, recognizing that true partnerships—whether in love, work, or life—are most enduring when grounded in the mutual respect, understanding, and shared companionship that friendship provides. Friendship, he suggests, is not merely an accessory to a relationship, but the very foundation upon which trust and intimacy can thrive.

In the ancient world, the concept of friendship was regarded as sacred. The Greeks, with their deep understanding of human relationships, believed that the highest form of love was rooted in philia, or friendship. Aristotle, in his treatise on ethics, wrote extensively about the nature of friendship, asserting that true friendships are built upon mutual respect, shared values, and an understanding of each other’s virtue. To Aristotle, the best relationships were those that arose from a shared commitment to growth, honesty, and compassion. Carey Hart’s words reflect this ancient wisdom: friendship is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship, and it is through friendship that we learn to navigate the complexities of love, trust, and connection.

Consider, O Seeker, the bond between Achilles and Patroclus, whose friendship in the Iliad was the foundation of both their strength and their vulnerability. Their relationship, built on years of shared experiences and mutual loyalty, was not just one of love but also of profound understanding and companionship. When Patroclus dies, Achilles is devastated not just because of the loss of a lover, but because he loses a true friend, someone who has stood by him through battle, who understands his deepest fears and desires. This friendship, grounded in shared values and respect, became the anchor for their actions and decisions in life. It was their friendship that allowed them to rise above the challenges of war and loss. Carey Hart echoes this, suggesting that the strongest relationships are not those based solely on fleeting passions, but on friendship—a bond that is tested through time, conflict, and growth.

In the Roman tradition, the importance of friendship in relationships was also paramount. The philosopher Cicero wrote that true friendship is founded not on self-interest but on a shared moral framework and the pursuit of a good life. Cicero believed that when two individuals enter into a relationship based on these principles, their bond grows into something far more significant than mere affection—it becomes a source of strength and comfort. Just as Achilles and Patroclus were more than lovers, but comrades and friends, so too are our most enduring relationships grounded in this deeper connection. Hart’s perspective aligns with this timeless wisdom: without the foundation of friendship, a relationship lacks the resilience to withstand life’s trials.

The lesson, O Seeker, is clear: relationships thrive when they are built on friendship. Whether it is a romantic partnership, a business connection, or a family bond, the best relationships are those that are rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and the willingness to grow together. Friendship offers a space where honesty, loyalty, and compassion can flourish, and where both individuals can be their truest selves without fear of rejection. Carey Hart’s words remind us that love alone, without the bedrock of friendship, is not enough to sustain a meaningful connection. It is through friendship that relationships find their deepest strength and their greatest potential.

In practical terms, O Seeker, reflect on the relationships in your life. Are they based on mutual respect and shared values? How often do you invest in friendship within these relationships, nurturing the bond with kindness, trust, and open communication? True partnerships require effort and care, not just in the moments of joy, but also in times of conflict and challenge. Friendship allows you to see beyond the surface, to understand the deeper needs and fears of the other person, and to act with compassion and patience. As you cultivate this deeper connection with those around you, know that you are laying the foundation for lasting and meaningful relationships.

So, remember this, O Seeker: the relationships that endure, that withstand the test of time, are those that are built on friendship. It is through friendship that we discover not only the joy of love, but the resilience to face life’s challenges together. Carey Hart reminds us that, at the heart of every great relationship, there must be a foundation of understanding, support, and respect. May you build your relationships with these principles in mind, knowing that through friendship, the truest forms of love and connection can grow, flourish, and last across time.