On Making Friends

　　        As a human being, one can hardly do without a friend, for life
without friends will be a lonely voyage in the vast dark sea or one in the
barren desert. Traly, a friend gives out light and warmth like a lamp. For this
reason, I have always felt it a blessing if a friend comes to console me in my
sadness, cheer me up in my low spirits, or heartedly share with me my happiness.
It is wonderful, too, to feel that someone is standing by me and ready to
provide help and encouragement in my pursuit of a noble and glorious cause.

　　        For millions of years, people have heaped beautiful verses and
essays upon friendship. Yet, they, too, have mercilessly accused false
friendship, for there are always some mean characters who approach you and act
as dear friends when you are wealthy or influential, but desert or even betray
you the instant you come down in the world or are entrapped by unfortunate
things. Therefore, people all attach great importance to the recognition of true
friendship. And a faithful friend is considered even more precious than a
priceless pearl or a precious stone. The old saying "A friend in need is a
friend indeed" has become the teaching and standard for true friends.

　　       Still, it is natural that different people observe different
principles in making friends. Some view it important to make friends with whom
they may share similar interests or hobbies with. Others are liable to befriend
VIPs so as to gain some favors or privileges. And I am of those who think very
little of similarity or position or power. So long as a person has a heart of
gold, being warm-hearted,  selfless,  honest,  open-minded,  but  not  brutal, 
cold,  shortsighted  nor narrow~minded, I am willing to make friends with him or
her, give my due support and help, and remain faithful to him or her all my
life.