"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better"

This quote by Plutarch speaks to the concept that true relationship is not based upon benefit or agreement. It suggests that a good friend must not merely follow in addition to whatever the speaker does, but ought to provide assistance and understanding even when they disagree. The quote implies that a buddy ought to be someone who is willing to challenge the speaker and offer a different perspective. It also indicates that a buddy needs to be someone who wants to stay with the speaker through thick and thin, instead of someone who is just around when it is hassle-free. Eventually, the quote recommends that a true friend is somebody who wants to be there for the speaker even when it is tough, and that a true friend deserves more than a mere shadow that follows in addition to the speaker's every relocation.