The only way to have a friend is to be one.

What it means

Friendship cannot be demanded or chased. You get it by offering it first: showing up, being honest, giving without keeping score. If you want better friends, become a better friend.

The source

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." Ralph Waldo Emerson said it in Friendship (Essays: First Series, 1841). Written in English: Essays: First Series, 1841.

"the only way to have a friend is to be one."

Original English (Essays: First Series, 1841), Friendship (Essays: First Series, 1841). Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882). American essayist and lecturer who led the Transcendentalists. His lines here come from Nature, Self-Reliance and his Essays.

Questions

What does "The only way to have a friend is to be one." mean?

Friendship cannot be demanded or chased. You get it by offering it first: showing up, being honest, giving without keeping score. If you want better friends, become a better friend.

Who said "The only way to have a friend is to be one."?

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882). Source: Friendship (Essays: First Series, 1841).

What is the original wording?

the only way to have a friend is to be one (Original English (Essays: First Series, 1841)). Written in English: Essays: First Series, 1841.

Is "The only way to have a friend is to be one." on a shirt?

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

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Friendship (Essays: First Series, 1841), trans. Original English (Essays: First Series, 1841)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-only-way-to-have-a-friend-is