Friendship is the most important preferred indifferent for the Stoics. Our human nature is not only rational but also social and, therefore, we’re naturally attracted to other people. And a good person always shows love, kindness, justice, and concern for his fellow human beings—for his brothers, neighbors, and strangers alike. Having wise and good friends is the most precious external thing in the world. As Seneca writes, the wise man “desires friends, neighbors, and associates, no matter how much he is sufficient unto himself.” We’re able to live a happy life without friends, but we prefer
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