"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"

This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld recommends that what we commonly refer to as friendship is really a transactional relationship. It is a plan between two people in which they both take advantage of the exchange of services and interests. Simply put, it is a company relationship in which everyone is looking to acquire something for their own self-interest. This quote indicates that relationship is not necessarily based upon real care and affection, however rather on the mutual advantage of both parties. It recommends that friendship is not necessarily a selfless act, but rather a way to acquire something for oneself. This quote challenges the standard concept of friendship and recommends that it is more of a service transaction than a real connection between 2 people.