Pity and friendship are two passions incompatible with each other.

Oliver Goldsmith’s quote suggests that pity and friendship cannot coexist harmoniously. Pity involves a sense of feeling sorry for someone, often coupled with a sense of superiority or distance. In contrast, friendship is built on mutual respect, equality, and shared experiences. Goldsmith argues that when one person feels pity for another, it creates a power imbalance, which contradicts the foundation of a true friendship, which thrives on equality and genuine connection.

The quote highlights the emotional tension between these two passions. While pity often stems from a place of compassion, it can create a barrier between individuals, fostering a sense of distance rather than closeness. True friendship, on the other hand, requires a sense of mutual understanding and partnership, where both individuals are seen as equals, not as one person feeling sorry for the other.

Goldsmith’s view reflects his understanding of human relationships and the complex emotions that shape them. His writing often explored the intricacies of human nature, and this quote is no exception. It suggests that if one person is seen as an object of pity, the emotional connection necessary for friendship is undermined, as true companionship cannot flourish under such conditions.

The origin of this quote comes from Goldsmith’s broader philosophical outlook, which often explored themes of society, emotion, and personal connection. In his works, he frequently examined how different passions and virtues intersect, and in this case, he emphasizes the incompatibility of pity with the equality required for friendship.