Financial Disparity and Friendship

Wu Zhongdong & Gong Yubo

　　People have long been dominated by a fixed notion that friendship rests more largely on economic status shared by friends than anything else. They believe that financial disparity will definitely affect friendship. Indeed, “Birds of a feather flock together.”Unfortunately, this notion of friendship cannot always apply. The possible truth is that, in a harmonious universe, birds of different feathers can and should be flying together. Therefore, one is sure to have friends from different economic backgrounds, and true friendship transcends financial differences. It embraces the quality of being genuine, lasting and productive.

　　To begin with, true friendship should be genuine. Genuine friendship does not assume the commonly held view that financial equality can nurture a harmonious relationship between friends. Karl Marx and Engels, two great German thinkers, have provided an undisputable example in this regard. They came from totally different families, the former being financially disadvantaged while the latter being a son of wealthy capitalist. However, unlike table friends who might value various material comforts, they developed genuine friendship that helped refuel the two great minds. Together, they contributed to the treasure of human thoughts that has exerted the greatest impact on the course of history. Their example is educational in that their life-long friendship shows unmistakably that money counts least in true friendship.

　　Additionally, true friendship should be lasting. People say nothing lasts in the world. But as far as I am concerned, true friendship does last forever. With lasting friendship, friends can go far both in life and career. A notable Chinese ancient novel Three Kingdoms renders a typical case in point. LiuBei, GuanYu and ZhangFei, the three protagonists of the book, who were sworn brothers, notwithstanding they were from totally different socio-economic backgrounds. Liu was penniless despite the fact that he believed he had descended from aristocracy; Guan, a tramp from modern standard of judgment; Zhang, a wealthy landlord. Their friendship was formed long before they were successful. They clung to their friendship no matter what befell them. With permanent friendship the three lived a meaningful life. With abiding friendship they built a prosperous kingdom called Shu. Ever since then, their friendship has become a legend.

　　Last but not least, true friendship should be productive. Of course, no one could deny the fact that in seeking friendship, one has some personal concerns like enjoying the company of friends, wining and dining, etc. But the best way to perpetuate good friendship is certainly to make it productive. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, my uncle met some intellectuals, who suffered from political persecution and lived in sheer poverty. Rather than look down upon or shun them, my uncle treated them as equal and made them his life-long friends. Together they started their own business when China implemented the opening-up policy some 10 years ago. Through fair and foul, and above all their joined efforts, they finally turned their concern into one of China 500. And today their relationship is more solid than ever before. 

　　As Bacon wrote, “We die as often as we lose a friend.” Few could live a rich, abundant and eager life without friends. Making friends and maintaining lasting friendship are an indispensable part of a successful and happy existence. If we consider what makes a good friend, money is the least concern. While we live, let us make friends.

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