How to Be a Friend

An Ancient Guide to True Friendship

By: Marcus Tullius Cicero, Philip Freeman - introduction, Philip Freeman - translator

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

In a world where social media, online relationships, and relentless self-absorption threaten the very idea of deep and lasting friendships, the search for true friends is more important than ever. In this short book, which is one of the greatest ever written on the subject, the famous Roman politician and philosopher Cicero offers a compelling guide to finding, keeping, and appreciating friends. With wit and wisdom, Cicero teaches not only how to build friendships but also why they must be a key part of our lives. For, as Cicero says, life without friends is not worth living.

Filled with timeless advice and insights, Cicero's heartfelt and moving classic - written in 44 BC and originally titled De Amicitia - has inspired people for more than 2,000 years, from St. Augustine and Dante to Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

Presented here in a lively new translation and an inviting introduction, How to Be a Friend explores how to choose the right friends, how to avoid the pitfalls of friendship, and how to live with friends in good times and bad. Cicero also praises what he sees as the deepest kind of friendship - one in which two people find in each other "another self" or a kindred soul.

©2018 Philip Freeman (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

How to be a friend

There’s wisdom in those stories from long ago .it is so important to have friends and keep them.

Fast with Ancient Wisdom

This is a fast listen with deep wisdom and a good performance. While some of the advice is obviously anachronistic, most of it is timeless wisdom which, whether you agree or not, will get you thinking.

Best translation and performance

Rather like a conversation than a performance, the narrator’s skill is tops! The book is a “hands down” BEST on its topic of friendship. One studying relationships of any kind would do well to take a listen…. Or three!

Am I a friend

True friendship indeed. This book asked me to look in the mirror and ask myself do I truly have a friend.

A True Friend Must Read

The aspects and characteristics of true friendship and how to be a true friend are clearly outlined in this exposé.