Nearly all our associations are determined by chance or necessity; and restricted within a narrow circle. We cannot know whom we would; and those whom we know, we cannot have at our side when we most need them. All the higher circles of human intelligence are, to those beneath, only momentarily and partially open.. there is a society continually open to us, of people who will talk to us as long as we like, whatever our rank or occupation; – talk to us in the best words they can choose, and of the things nearest their hearts. And this society, because it is so numerous and so gentle, and can be kept waiting around us all day long, – kings and statesmen lingering patiently, not to grant audience, but to gain it! – in those plainly furnished and narrow ante-rooms, our bookcase shelves, – we make no account of that company, – perhaps never listen to a word they would say, all day long! . John Ruskin
About This Quote

The quote above was written by Thoreau who is quoting the New England Primer. The quote brings into focus the idea that our lives are controlled by chance or necessity. We do not always have control over our profession, nor do we have control over who our friends are. We have to live with the people we have in our lives and guard against becoming too attached to them.

If one of our companions is killed or leaves us, we do not grieve for them because we know that they were only a part of our life at some point. By being open to others, however, we are able to meet people who are more interesting than those who are just acquaintances, and thus begin to establish friendships that last a lifetime.

Source: Unto This Last And Other Writings

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More Quotes By John Ruskin
  1. It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride.
  2. All art is but dirtying the paper delicately.
  3. He who has truth at his heart need never fear the want of persuasion on his tongue.
  4. To speak and act truth with constancy and precision is nearly as difficult, and perhaps as meretorious, as to speak it under intimidation or penalty
  5. For, truly, the man who does not know when to die, does not know how to live.
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