To want friendship is a great fault. Friendship ought to be a gratuitous joy, like the joys afforded by art or life

To want friendship is a great fault. Friendship ought to be a gratuitous joy, like the joys afforded by art or life

Simone Weil, a French philosopher, mystic, and social activist, believed that true friendship should be a pure and selfless connection between individuals. In her view, the desire for friendship is a fault because it implies a selfish motive or expectation from the relationship. Weil believed that friendship should be a source of joy and fulfillment, much like the joys that art or life can bring.

Weil's perspective on friendship is rooted in her belief in the importance of selflessness and detachment from personal desires. She believed that true friendship should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and support, rather than on the fulfillment of individual needs or desires. By approaching friendship in this way, Weil believed that individuals could experience a deeper and more meaningful connection with others.

Weil also saw friendship as a form of spiritual practice, a way to cultivate virtues such as compassion, empathy, and love. She believed that true friendship could help individuals transcend their own egos and connect with something greater than themselves. By approaching friendship as a gratuitous joy, individuals could experience a sense of unity and interconnectedness with others, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching life.