Quote of the day by Plutarch: 'I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better' and the true meaning of friendship

Plutarch, a Greek philosopher and essayist of the 1st–2nd century CE, wrote extensively on ethics and friendship in works like Parallel Lives and Moralia.

His quote criticizes friends who merely agree and mirror their companion, comparing them to a shadow that offers no independent thought.

Plutarch argues true friendship requires courage to disagree and provide honest feedback, not just affirmation.

He warns that constant agreement can lead to blind spots, poor decisions, and missed personal growth.

In his essay How to Tell a Flatterer from a Friend, Plutarch distinguishes flattery from genuine friendship.