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Source identified
“The loss of a friend is the greatest of losses.”

Publilius Syrus

Source
The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus
Date
1st century BCE
Attribution
Source identified
English wording
Darius Lyman — Translator · from Latin
Meaning

What does this quote mean?

The maxim treats friendship as a form of value that cannot be measured like property because losing the person also removes shared history and mutual presence.

Source context

Where does it come from?

The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, saying 37, D. Lyman Jr. translation (1856).

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Attribution

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This wording is connected with the named source shown above. Translations and editions can vary, so consult the source note when exact wording matters.

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Themes

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