A Lack Of Friends Indicates That A Person Has Many...

Friendship, like a diamond, is rare and valuable. But just like diamonds, there are many fakes out there. It's easy to make mistakes and be disappointed by people, which can lead us to believe that true friendship doesn't exist. This sentiment is echoed by Haruki Murakami in his book "Norwegian Wood," where his characters discuss their aversion to making new acquaintances for fear of being let down.

But let's delve deeper into the complexities of friendship. There's a parable about the friendship between a boy and an apple tree that sheds light on the subject. This story is relevant to both those who have friends and those who don't. So, let's listen to this parable and answer some thought-provoking questions.

The Parable of the Apple Tree

Once upon a time, in a forest, a little boy became friends with an apple tree. He would spend his days swinging on its branches, eating its apples, and imagining himself as the king of the forest. The apple tree provided shelter from the scorching sun, and the boy would often fall asleep in its shade.

As time passed, the boy grew up and visited the apple tree less frequently. He had new friends and new interests. But every now and then, he would still visit the apple tree. One day, when the boy seemed upset, the tree asked him what was wrong.

The boy lamented that he couldn't be a king because he didn't have any money. The tree, being a true friend, suggested that the boy take its apples and sell them for money. This way, he could become happy again and their friendship could be restored.

The boy took the apples, but he never returned to the apple tree. It waited patiently, hoping to see its friend again. Finally, the boy showed up, but this time he complained about not having a home or a family. Disheartened, he questioned the purpose of their friendship if the tree couldn't provide these things.

The tree, still eager to help its friend, suggested that the boy cut down its branches and build a home for himself. The boy followed this advice, built a house, and went on to live a fulfilling life. However, he never thought of the apple tree again.

The Forgotten Stump

Years went by, and the apple tree's trunk remained as a tortured stump. It no longer found joy or meaning in life. But life, as it always does, continued around the stump. The rainwatered it, the sun warmed its surroundings, and wild animals found solace in its presence.

One day, a small green sprout emerged from the stump. It quickly grew into a beautiful and strong apple tree, full of life and vigor. The young tree learned to appreciate every new day and embraced the beauty of existence.

The Cynical Idealist

George Carlin once said that inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist. Perhaps the apple tree was once an idealist, a friend who had been let down by someone. And just like the tree, many of us have experienced pain and disappointment in our friendships. Damon Salvatore from "The Vampire Diaries" may argue that getting over such people is the hardest thing. However, forgetting friends who have let us down can be an even greater challenge.

Understanding Those Without Friends

Before we rush to judge someone who doesn't have any friends, let's consider that they may have their reasons for not trusting people. Maybe they, too, were once an apple tree for someone, and their experiences have led them to lose faith in honest and sincere friendships. It's a sad reality, but it highlights the importance of empathy and understanding.

Not having friends doesn't make a person inherently bad; it simply shows that they have encountered many reasons not to trust others. We should approach such individuals with compassion and strive to foster an environment where genuine friendships can flourish.

Conclusion

Friendship is a complex and multifaceted aspect of our lives. It can bring joy, but it can also lead to disappointment. The parable of the apple tree teaches us the importance of valuing and treasuring our friendships, while also reminding us to be understanding of those who may have lost faith in such connections.

Let's strive to be the kind of friends who inspire trust, honesty, and sincerity. By doing so, we can create a world where true friendship thrives, and no one feels the need to doubt its existence. Remember, like the apple tree, we all have the potential to grow and find joy in even the most challenging circumstances.