Meaning of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Quote: “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them”
Old friends are some of the most treasured people in our lives, and we cherish them for many reasons. One of the most valuable aspects of old friendships is the comfort of being yourself and not worrying about what others think. This is what Ralph Waldo Emerson meant when he said, “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind this quote and explore why old friends are so special.
The context of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th-century American philosopher, poet, and essayist. He was a leading figure in the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized the importance of nature, intuition, and individualism. In his essay “Friendship,” Emerson explored the nature of true friendship and the value of having friends in our lives. It is in this essay that the quote in question appears.
What does it mean to be “stupid” with old friends?
Being “stupid” with old friends means that you can let down your guard and be yourself without fear of judgment. You can act silly, say something ridiculous, or do something embarrassing, and your old friends will not judge you or think less of you. This is a special kind of freedom that is hard to come by in other relationships.
The value of being yourself with old friends
Being yourself is an essential part of any healthy relationship, but it can be hard to achieve in new or superficial relationships. When we meet new people, we often put our best foot forward and try to impress them. With old friends, however, we can be ourselves, warts and all. This allows us to be more authentic, which is an essential component of any genuine friendship.
The freedom of not worrying about judgment
One of the main reasons that being “stupid” with old friends is such a blessing is that it allows us to let go of our fear of judgment. When we are with people we don’t know well or in situations where we feel like we need to impress others, we are often worried about how we come across. With old friends, however, we know that we are accepted and loved for who we are, which gives us the freedom to let our guard down and be ourselves.
How old friends create a safe space
Old friendships create a safe space where we can be vulnerable and share our innermost thoughts and feelings. This kind of intimacy is hard to come by in other relationships because it requires a level of trust and familiarity that only comes with time. When we can share our deepest selves with old friends, we feel seen and heard, which is an essential part of feeling connected to others.
The importance of being “stupid” with old friends
Being “stupid” with old friends is essential because it allows us to have fun and enjoy ourselves without worrying about the consequences. We can let our hair down and be silly, which is an important part of life. When we are young, we are often carefree and silly, but as we get older, we tend to become more serious and reserved. Old friends can help us tap into that youthful spirit and remind us that it’s okay to be silly and have fun.
How to maintain old friendships
Maintaining old friendships takes effort, but it’s worth it. Here are some tips for keeping your old friendships strong:
- Make time for your old friends. Life can get busy, but it’s essential to make time for the people who matter most to you.
- Keep in touch. Even if you can’t see each other as often as you’d like, stay in touch through phone calls, texts, or video chats.
- Plan trips or outings. Planning trips or outings with your old friends can help you stay connected and create new memories together.
- Be there for each other. When your old friends need you, be there for them. Offer support and encouragement, and be a listening ear when they need to talk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, old friends are some of the most precious people in our lives, and being “stupid” with them is a true blessing. The comfort and freedom that come with these relationships allow us to be ourselves without fear of judgment, which is a unique and valuable experience. If you have old friends in your life, cherish them, and make an effort to maintain those relationships. They are worth it.
Book Recommendation: Emerson’s Essays – The Complete First and Second Series
