"Les changements de la fortune testent la fiabilité des amis"

When life throws its curveballs, you truly see who's in your corner. That's the essence of this quote. It tells us that when things go south, the real character of your friends comes to light. In times of prosperity, everyone wants to be around. But when you face hardship, only the genuine ones stick around.

This idea has roots as far back as ancient civilizations. Think about the Greek philosopher Euripides. He often touched on the fickle nature of fortune and friendships. In times of Ancient Greece, people's lives were incredibly tumultuous, with war, famine, and political upheaval being routine. In such a setting, it was clear that only friends who truly cared would stand by you when the going got tough.

Now let’s paint a picture with a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, a successful entrepreneur, running a thriving tech start-up. She has a tight-knit group of friends who are always around for the glamorous parties and weekend getaways. Life's good, and there's no shortage of laughs and good times. Then, disaster strikes—the tech bubble bursts, and Sarah's company goes under. She's left facing bankruptcy and the stress that comes with it. Suddenly, her social circle gets a lot smaller. The invites dry up, the phone calls stop, and her once-busy calendar is eerily empty. Except for a couple of friends. These are the ones who show up with dinner, sit with her while she navigates her financial mess, and offer support without judgment. Here, Sarah sees who her real friends are—those who don't disappear when the money and fun do.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? First, pay attention to how your friends react in your tough times. It's not about cutting people off hastily but observing who consistently shows up when you need it most. Second, be that reliable friend yourself. When someone you care about is struggling, offer your support. Sometimes it’s as simple as being there to listen. Lastly, appreciate the loyal ones. Let them know you see their effort and value their presence.

Let me bring it home with a little personal anecdote. I remember when my friend James lost his job and went through a rough patch. Initially, many of his so-called buddies disappeared. They weren’t interested in hanging out with someone who was struggling. But our mutual friend, Tom, did something different. He made it a point to call James regularly, invited him over for dinners, and even helped him with his job search. Tom wasn’t doing anything extraordinary, but his consistent support made a world of difference to James. It wasn’t about grand gestures—it was about being there, steady and reliable.

Think about your own life. The ups and downs are inevitable. When you're riding high, it's easy to be surrounded by people. But don’t forget to notice who’s there when the chips are down. Those are your true friends—the ones who stand the test of time and fortune. And remember, being that kind of friend can be just as rewarding. So next time you see someone going through a tough spot, don’t just scroll past—reach out. You never know how much that small act of kindness can mean.