I'm loyal, and I like my friends. Friendship enriches your life

"I'm loyal, and I like my friends. Friendship enriches your life and makes it more interesting." These words from Wendi Deng Murdoch carry within them a deep and profound truth about the power of loyalty and friendship. In a world that often prizes self-interest, friendship is a rare and precious bond that can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Friendship is not just about companionship or shared moments; it is a source of growth, joy, and enrichment—a bond that elevates our lives in ways that we cannot always predict or control. Murdoch’s words remind us of the magnitude of this simple yet transformative human connection.

In the ancient world, the importance of friendship was recognized as foundational to both personal development and societal harmony. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, argued that the highest form of friendship is one based on virtue, where each person helps the other grow in goodness and wisdom. Such friendships are not based on utility or pleasure, but on a shared commitment to becoming better human beings. These friendships enrich lives not by what they give materially, but by what they foster in terms of personal growth, understanding, and the shared journey toward a virtuous life. Murdoch’s emphasis on loyalty aligns perfectly with this view—loyalty is the foundation upon which true friendship is built, and it is through such loyalty that our lives become more interesting and full of depth.

Consider the friendship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, one of the most revered stories of loyalty and friendship in human history. Despite the political and personal dangers they faced—David being the future king and Jonathan the son of the reigning King Saul—their bond was one of unwavering loyalty and mutual respect. Even in the face of potential betrayal, Jonathan chose to stand by David, knowing that his loyalty was not just a personal commitment, but a moral duty. Their friendship was not only a source of personal strength, but it also enriched their lives, giving them the courage to navigate one of the most treacherous periods in their lives. Through their friendship, they found solace and strength, and the value of loyalty became the driving force behind their shared journey.

The enrichment that Murdoch speaks of is not a fleeting joy but a deeper, more lasting transformation. Friendship, when built on trust and loyalty, brings with it an expansion of one’s world. In friendship, we find new perspectives, adventures, and even challenges that help us grow. Friendship helps us see the world not just through our own eyes, but through the eyes of others—an exchange that adds layers of meaning to our existence. When we engage deeply with friends, we open ourselves up to new experiences and possibilities, which in turn makes our lives richer and more interesting.

Consider the ancient Greek concept of philia, a form of friendship that is built not on romantic love, but on a deep bond of affection and mutual care. In the Pythagorean school, philosophers would engage in intense intellectual exchanges, which were as much about personal connection as they were about the pursuit of knowledge. Their friendships, grounded in shared wisdom and loyalty, enriched both their minds and their souls. These friendships were a means of both intellectual and personal growth, showing us that friendship, at its highest level, is not merely a source of enjoyment, but a pathway to a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves.

In our own lives, the lesson here is clear: friendship is one of the most precious gifts we can cultivate, and loyalty is its cornerstone. To be a good friend, we must first be loyal—not just in times of happiness, but also in moments of challenge. Murdoch speaks to a universal truth: true friendship is not just a source of companionship, but a force that enriches us, makes our lives more interesting, and helps us navigate the complexities of life. The joy that comes from loyalty and trust can sustain us, even when external circumstances are difficult.

As we move through life, we must seek to form and nurture these kinds of friendships—those rooted in loyalty, honesty, and a shared commitment to growth. Just as David and Jonathan showed us, true friendship is not about convenience or fleeting joy, but about being there for each other, through thick and thin. Let us reflect on the ways we can be loyal friends—whether by offering a listening ear, supporting a friend in times of crisis, or simply being present in moments of need. The richness that comes from friendship is not just about the big moments, but about the small, everyday actions of loyalty and love that enrich our lives.

Let us commit, then, to friendship as a way of life, understanding that it is not merely a pleasant addition to our existence, but a fundamental force that shapes who we are and who we become. Loyalty to our friends will make our lives more meaningful, more interesting, and will help us grow into the best versions of ourselves. May we walk this path of friendship with open hearts, seeking to not only enrich our own lives, but to enrich the lives of those who walk with us.