My progress? I've started to be my own friend.

What it means

Asked what progress he had made, the philosopher answered that he had become a friend to himself. Someone who can stand his own company is never truly alone. Treat yourself with the honesty and goodwill you would give a good friend.

The source

"My progress? I've started to be my own friend." Hecato, quoted by Seneca said it in Letters to Lucilius 6.7. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"amicus esse mihi coepi"

Original Latin, Letters to Lucilius 6.7. Text read at thelatinlibrary.com.

Who said it

Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Stoic philosopher, playwright and adviser to the emperor Nero. His letters to his friend Lucilius are the most readable handbook of Stoicism ever written.

Questions

What does "My progress? I've started to be my own friend." mean?

Asked what progress he had made, the philosopher answered that he had become a friend to himself. Someone who can stand his own company is never truly alone. Treat yourself with the honesty and goodwill you would give a good friend.

Who said "My progress? I've started to be my own friend."?

Hecato, quoted by Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Source: Letters to Lucilius 6.7.

What is the original Latin?

amicus esse mihi coepi. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

Is "My progress? I've started to be my own friend." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"My progress? I've started to be my own friend." (Hecato, quoted by Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 6.7, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/my-progress-ive-started-to-be-my-own