"Whatever the number of a man's friends, there will be times in his life when he has one too few; but if he has only one enemy, he is lucky indeed if he has not one too many"

The quote by Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton explores the delicate balance between friendships and enmities in an individual's life. At its core, it speaks to the complexities of human relationships and highlights the unavoidable obstacles that they provide.

The first part of the quote, "Whatever the variety of a male's pals, there will be times in his life when he has one too few", suggests that no matter the number of good friends an individual may have, there will constantly be minutes when they feel the lack or insufficiency of friendship. This can be translated as a commentary on the human condition; friendships, in spite of their value, are not endlessly steadfast or offered. There are minutes of crisis or require when even a broad network of pals appears inadequate. This highlights a universal vulnerability-- individuals, despite how surrounded by friends they are, will frequently deal with circumstances where they demand more support or understanding than what is upcoming.

The second part of the quote, "but if he has only one enemy, he is fortunate undoubtedly if he has not one too many", delves into the idea that having even a single enemy can be an abundance of difficulty. Here, the author suggests that enemies can put in an outsized influence compared to pals. While buddies might improve life, opponents can consume it with negativeness, dispute, and tension. The presence of simply one opponent can produce numerous problems, recommending that enmity brings disproportionate challenges compared to the benefits offered by relationship.

In general, the quote highlights a sobering reality about relationships: they are inherently unbalanced, with negative relationships frequently putting in a greater emotional toll than the positive support provided by relationships. It reviews the fragility of human support group and the extensive impact even a singular foe can have on our lives.