君子之交淡若水，小人之交甘若醴。
The friendship of gentlemen is as light as water; the friendship of petty people is as sweet as wine.
—— 庄子
Source: 庄子·山木(Zhuangzi)
Background
From Zhuangzi's "Mountain Tree," contrasting the characteristics of different levels of interpersonal relationships.
Interpretation
The friendship of gentlemen is as light as water but lasting and sincere, while the friendship of petty people is as sweet as wine but often cannot last. This shows that true friendship lies in spiritual compatibility, not material exchange.
Quote Information
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