One of the most mawkish of human delusions is the notion that friendship should be eternal, or, at all events, life-long, and that any act which puts a term to it is somehow discreditable.

The quote "One of the most mawkish of human delusions is the notion that friendship should be eternal, or, at all events, life-long, and that any act which puts a term to it is somehow discreditable" by H. L. Mencken, an American journalist and social critic, challenges the idealized view of friendship as a relationship that must last forever. Mencken criticizes the romanticized belief that true friendship is only valid if it endures for a lifetime, suggesting that this expectation is an unrealistic and sentimental delusion. He implies that the idea of eternal friendship often disregards the natural evolution of relationships and the possibility that friendships may naturally fade or come to an end.

Mencken’s view reflects a more pragmatic and perhaps cynical perspective on human relationships. He argues that it is unnatural to expect friendship to last forever, as people change over time, and so do their values, interests, and circumstances. Rather than seeing the end of a friendship as a failure or something to be ashamed of, Mencken suggests that relationships may serve their purpose for a time and then naturally dissolve. He questions the idea that ending a friendship should be viewed as a discreditable act, emphasizing that relationships need not be permanent to have value.

The word "mawkish" in the quote reflects Mencken’s disdain for overly sentimental or unrealistic views of friendship. He critiques those who hold onto the notion of eternal friendships, arguing that such beliefs ignore the complexity and fluidity of human connections. Mencken encourages a more practical and flexible view of friendship, where relationships are seen as dynamic and capable of changing over time without shame or regret.

In conclusion, H. L. Mencken's quote urges people to reconsider the expectation of friendship as an eternal bond. By challenging the notion that friendships must be life-long to be meaningful, he advocates for a more realistic understanding of relationships, where the end of a friendship does not equate to failure or discredit. Friendship can evolve and fade as life changes, and that is a natural part of human experience.