To have a great man for a friend seems pleasant to those who have never tried it; those who have, fear it.

Summary

This quote suggests that the idea of having a remarkable individual as a friend may appear appealing to those who have never experienced it. However, those who have actually had such a friendship may find it intimidating or overwhelming. This implies that the presence of a great man as a friend brings a certain level of complexity and expectations that can be daunting to handle. It highlights the potential challenges and responsibilities that come with befriending someone exceptional, contrasting the initial excitement with the realities of such a relationship.