Jem, what is this drivel? Friendship is not a mystical force based on
some intangible "inner" force. To give your friendship to someone for no
reason, that is, 'surpassing the conditions and demands, ect.', and
ignoring 'self-interest' is irrational and, simply put, wrong.

Anything done without self interest in mind, what you might call 'greed'
or 'selfishness', is little more than a sacrifice. Friendship is a thing
to be earned and awarded, for to put anything before self interest is to
commit suicide.

The most important creature in existence, the center of all creation and
the highest of gods, is you. You who is reading this, whoever or
wherever you may be, each one of you is your own king. Do not let others
encroach upon your domain.

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Estar, in the year 109 CE.