We always said our career was built on our friendship and that

In the ebb and flow of human lives, there are moments when friendship becomes the anchor that sustains us through the storms of ambition, hardship, and struggle. Declan Donnelly’s words, "We always said our career was built on our friendship and that our friendship was the secret of our success. The career just happened by accident," reveal a profound truth—true friendship is not just a companion on the journey of life, but the very foundation upon which success is built. Donnelly and his partner, Ant McPartlin, both acknowledge that their professional triumphs were not so much a product of ambition or strategic planning, but of the deep bond they shared, one that allowed them to navigate the challenges of their careers with unity and trust.

The ancients recognized the power of friendship and how it shapes the course of a person’s life. In the writings of Aristotle, one of the great philosophers of ancient Greece, we find a clear distinction between friendships based on utility, those formed for personal gain, and the highest form of friendship, based on virtue—a friendship grounded in mutual respect and shared values. Aristotle believed that the most enduring friendships were those where both individuals sought the good for one another, with no expectation of personal gain. In this sense, the friendship between Donnelly and McPartlin reflects Aristotle’s ideal—an unbreakable bond formed not from professional calculations but from a shared journey and a deep, unwavering trust in one another.

In ancient Rome, the importance of loyalty and solidarity in relationships was likewise recognized. Cicero, the famous Roman philosopher and statesman, wrote about the nature of friendship in his work De Amicitia ("On Friendship"). For Cicero, a true friend was one who stood by you through thick and thin, whose support was grounded in virtue rather than convenience. In his view, the best of friendships were those that made one another better, fostering wisdom, growth, and moral strength. The friendship between Donnelly and McPartlin, though based in the world of entertainment, mirrors this timeless wisdom. Their success, they say, was a mere byproduct of the strong, virtuous connection they shared. It was their trust and support for one another that allowed them to thrive in an industry often fraught with competition and insecurities.

Consider, too, the example of the great philosophers themselves—Socrates and his devoted students. Socrates was a teacher, but his relationship with his followers was not one of mere instruction. Plato and Xenophon, for instance, both saw Socrates not only as a teacher but as a friend, one whose guidance extended beyond the intellectual to the emotional and moral. Their friendship was based on mutual respect and a shared dedication to understanding the nature of truth and goodness. In this way, their partnership became the foundation for the philosophical schools that would shape Western thought for centuries. Socrates’ friendship with his students wasn’t merely for the sake of knowledge—it was the framework through which they grew, flourished, and contributed to the world. Their success, like Donnelly and McPartlin’s, wasn’t simply about their individual achievements; it was about their shared journey and mutual support.

The lesson we learn from Donnelly’s reflection is one of great significance: friendship is not merely a social bond, but a powerful force that can drive us toward success, happiness, and fulfillment. Too often, we place emphasis on individual achievement, forgetting that the connections we nurture along the way are what truly define the richness of our lives. The career may come as an accident, but the friendship—the connection that sustains us through the highs and lows—is the true foundation of any lasting success. Just as Socrates and his students grew together, or as Aristotle and his friends shaped each other’s philosophies, so too does the bond of friendship create a space for mutual growth and success.

In your own life, seek to build and nourish friendships that are rooted in trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. These are the relationships that will sustain you, not only in times of triumph but through moments of challenge. Recognize that the success of any venture—whether in career, love, or personal growth—is often a result of the support and companionship you receive from those who stand by your side. Do not chase after success for its own sake; instead, focus on building lasting connections that enrich both your life and the lives of those around you. As Donnelly and McPartlin remind us, when friendship is the foundation, success follows naturally—like a river that flows from the mountain, nourished by the strength of its source.