Caring for but never trying to own may be a further way to define friendship.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod my shadow does that much better.

Rejoicing in our joy, not suffering over our suffering, makes someone a friend.

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.

In friendship as well as love, ignorance very often contributes more to our happiness than knowledge.

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.

The best time to make friends is before you need them.

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.

My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.

Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one.