Quote #0
The friends of my adversity I shall always cherish most.
Ulysses S Grant
About This Quote
The line appears in an 1869 newspaper report summarizing remarks attributed to Ulysses S. Grant in an interview with a journalist from the New York World. Grant was discussing Elihu B. Washburne and contrasting loyal friends who supported him when it was disadvantageous with those who gathered around him once he had power and patronage.
Interpretation
Grant is saying that loyalty shown during hardship is more meaningful and reliable than companionship offered during success, because adversity reveals who is genuinely committed rather than attracted by status or benefits.
Extended Quotation
The friends of my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.
Variations
The friend of my adversity I shall always cherish most.
I can better help those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours...
Source
Richmond Dispatch, “Grant’s Views” (Special Correspondence of the World), Jan. 6, 1869, p. 3 (reporting Grant’s remarks about Elihu B. Washburne).
