'If you have one true friend you have more than your share' - Thomas Fuller

Thomas Fuller, an English clergyman and historian of the 17th century, once said, “If you have one true friend, you have more than your share.” This quote has stood the test of time and remains a popular sentiment today. But what does it mean, and why is it so important?

At its core, Fuller’s quote speaks to the value of friendship. While it’s easy to surround ourselves with acquaintances and casual acquaintances in our daily lives, finding a true friend is a rare and precious thing. True friends are those who know us deeply, and who accept us for who we are. They’re the ones who stick by us through thick and thin - through the ups and downs of life, and even the mistakes we make along the way.

The idea that having one true friend is more than enough speaks to the depth of the bond between two people. While it’s nice to have a group of friends or a large social circle, a single true friend can provide us with all the love, support, and companionship we need. A true friend is someone we can confide in, rely on, and laugh with. They’re someone who understands us, and who we understand in turn. And that’s worth more than anything else.

Fuller’s quote also suggests that true friendship is a rare and valuable thing. It’s not something that can be manufactured or forced - it’s a connection that comes from mutual respect, admiration, and love. Making and keeping true friends requires effort, sincerity, and vulnerability. It takes time and energy, and it requires us to be open to new experiences and new people.

Finally, Fuller’s quote reminds us to be grateful for the friends we have. Whether we have one true friend or a whole group of them, we should cherish these relationships and do our best to nurture them. We should be loyal, kind, and supportive, just as our friends are to us. And we should never take their presence in our lives for granted.

In conclusion, Fuller’s quote about true friendship is both simple and profound. It reminds us of the deep, meaningful connections we can make with others, and of the value of those connections. It encourages us to seek out these relationships and to cherish them when we find them. And it reminds us that even if we have just one true friend, we’re richer and more blessed than we know.

Who is “Thomas Fuller”?

Thomas Fuller was a 17th-century English clergyman and writer known for his witty and wise sayings. He was also a historian and published several books, including The Holy State and The Profane State, which provided a social commentary on English society during his time. His most famous quote is “All things are difficult before they are easy.”

Are there any books about “Thomas Fuller”?

Yes, there are several books about Thomas Fuller, including:

1. “Thomas Fuller: The Intellectual in Ministry” by Dr. John W. Beardslee III
2. “Thomas Fuller: The Church in Early Stuart England” by Diane Willen
3. “Thomas Fuller: Discovering England’s Literary Genius” by John Retcliffe
4. “Thomas Fuller and His Circle” edited by David Colclough and Timothy Raylor
5. “Thomas Fuller: The History of the Worthies of England” edited by Jonathan Bate

These books cover various aspects of Fuller’s life and work, including his ministry, his literary and intellectual contributions, his place in the church during the early Stuart period, and his famous work “The Worthies of England.”

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