I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy on me seven times without realizing it. He lent a friendship, took it from me, sent me another.

In this quote, Jean Cocteau reflects on the transient nature of friendship and how he has experienced the loss of his seven closest friends. He views these losses not as misfortunes, but as acts of mercy from God, who repeatedly lent him these friendships, only to take them away when he felt it was necessary. Cocteau expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if each friendship was a gift that served its purpose before it came to an end, allowing space for new relationships to form.

Cocteau’s use of mercy emphasizes a spiritual perspective on the loss of friendships. Instead of seeing it as a painful or unfortunate event, he interprets it as an act of divine compassion, implying that perhaps these relationships had a deeper purpose that was fulfilled during their time in his life. This view suggests that each friendship was an opportunity for growth, and the loss of each one allowed him to embrace a new connection.

The origin of this sentiment likely comes from Cocteau's personal experiences, where he may have faced the impermanence of relationships due to various circumstances, such as personal changes, death, or the natural ebb and flow of friendships. His emotional maturity and artistic temperament might have led him to see the cyclical nature of relationships as part of the grander plan of life.

Ultimately, Cocteau’s quote reflects a philosophical understanding of friendship as something fluid and ephemeral. Rather than mourning the loss of his friends, he seems to appreciate the temporary nature of human connections, accepting that each friendship, while it lasts, offers something valuable before it comes to an end.