In the nature versus nurture debate,
blood is supposed to be the signifier.
Families know too much, and friends too little,
but our erratic misconduct is not their fault.
We're not discredited by our relationships
as much as by our fitful inconstancy.
Our capacity for exculpatory friendships
is compensation for our intractable relatives.
Our capacity for random acts of kindness to strangers
is compensation for our collegial meanness.
Love is not intended to conquer ... but heal.

No one is fortunate all of the time.
What the gods do not provide,
and goodness does not sustain,
friends must share.
Suffering is the test of character;
and trouble is the test of friendship.