What men have called friendship is only a social arrangement, a mutual adjustment of interests, an interchange of services given and received; it is, in sum, simply a business from which those involved propose to derive a steady profit for their own self-love.

Summary

This quote asserts that what is commonly known as friendship is merely a superficial arrangement wherein individuals mutually benefit each other through the exchange of services and favors. It implies that the motivation behind this so-called friendship is driven by self-interest and self-love, with individuals prioritizing personal gains and convenience. The quote suggests that true friendship, which goes beyond transactional motives, might be rare or non-existent in the world perceived by the speaker.

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