What men have called friendship is only a social arrangement, a mutual adjustment of interests, an interchange of services given and received; it is, in sum, simply a business from which those involved propose to derive a steady profit for their own self-love.

The quote "What men have called friendship is only a social arrangement, a mutual adjustment of interests, an interchange of services given and received; it is, in sum, simply a business from which those involved propose to derive a steady profit for their own self-love" by Francois de La Rochefoucauld offers a cynical view of human relationships. La Rochefoucauld argues that what people commonly refer to as friendship is not based on genuine emotional connection but rather on a transactional exchange. He suggests that friendships are often formed out of mutual benefit, where both individuals give and receive something, whether it be help, companionship, or favors, all in the interest of enhancing their own self-love or personal gain.

In this context, La Rochefoucauld is asserting that friendship is frequently motivated by self-interest, rather than true emotional bonding or selflessness. Rather than a pure connection between two people, friendship becomes a business arrangement where both parties are primarily concerned with what they can get from each other. The reference to self-love suggests that the motivations behind such friendships are driven by personal needs and desires, rather than a deep, altruistic connection.

The origin of this quote comes from Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French nobleman and moralist best known for his collection of maxims, which provide sharp observations on human nature. La Rochefoucauld was known for his skeptical and often critical perspective on social behavior, and this quote reflects his view that many human interactions are governed more by self-interest than by genuine affection or care.

Ultimately, La Rochefoucauld's quote challenges the idealistic view of friendship and urges a more realistic understanding of human relationships. It suggests that many so-called friendships are less about emotional connection and more about social transactions that fulfill individual needs. This view underscores the complexities of human nature and the ways in which people often engage in relationships based on mutual benefits rather than purely selfless affection.