Heraclitus said, “We can never step into the same river twice, for different water is ever flowing” (12). The river that Heraclitus refers to is a metaphor for all aspects of life. As the river flows, life is constantly changing. Although it may seem like everything changes, some characteristics of relationships and religious beliefs don’t change. Montaigne refutes Heraclitus’ maxim by utilizing examples of things that don’t change in his remarks. In Of Friendship, Montaigne underscores that the key to friendship is communication. However, in some relationships, there is a lack of communication making it impossible for a friendship to blossom. For instance, fathers and children cannot be friends “For neither can all the secret thoughts of fathers be communicated to children”
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Montaigne argues that “Since brothers have to guide their careers along the same path and at the same rate, it is inevitable that they often jostle and clash with each other” preventing a true friendship from forming (Montaigne 166). Once again a friendship cannot occur, as the competition and similarities between brothers is too overpowering. Along with familial relationships, there are romantic relationships that also fall into the same category. Friendships between men and women who are romantically involved are doomed to fail as “Enjoyment destroys it [the friendship], as having a fleshy end” (Montaigne 167). Because of the physical nature of romantic relationships, communication isn’t prominent so a true friendship can’t arise. Friendships fulfill mental and emotional desires while romantic relationships fulfill physical desires. None of these three relationships are destined to be friendships as there is not open communication both ways. No matter how much people change, the characteristics of these relationships will always be an obstacle in the river that prevent it from flowing and
Montaigne argues that “Since brothers have to guide their careers along the same path and at the same rate, it is inevitable that they often jostle and clash with each other” preventing a true friendship from forming (Montaigne 166). Once again a friendship cannot occur, as the competition and similarities between brothers is too overpowering. Along with familial relationships, there are romantic relationships that also fall into the same category. Friendships between men and women who are romantically involved are doomed to fail as “Enjoyment destroys it [the friendship], as having a fleshy end” (Montaigne 167). Because of the physical nature of romantic relationships, communication isn’t prominent so a true friendship can’t arise. Friendships fulfill mental and emotional desires while romantic relationships fulfill physical desires. None of these three relationships are destined to be friendships as there is not open communication both ways. No matter how much people change, the characteristics of these relationships will always be an obstacle in the river that prevent it from flowing and