“Common is the name of friend, but rare is fidelity.”Publilius Syrus · Sentințe · -50 · 619
The name of friend is given for free, but loyalty is paid only when it costs something.
Syrus separates the word from the reality: the title of friend is handed out easily, at parties and in good times, but the essence of friendship — fidelity — only shows itself under trial. The mechanism is the test of cost: anyone can be a friend when nothing is asked; the difference appears when staying close means loss, shame, or effort. A businessman in his glory days has a crowd of "friends"; after bankruptcy, those who still answer his phone can be counted on one hand — and only they deserve the name.
Why it matters A practical test for evaluating your real relationships, and for not investing trust in those who show up only when you're useful.