Meaning: The quote by Gilbert Parker, a Canadian novelist and British politician, reflects on the unique dynamics of friendship at sea. Parker suggests that the ocean has a profound impact on the relationships between individuals, particularly in the context of seafaring experiences. The quote underscores the transformative nature of the sea, which has the power to either strengthen or strain the bonds between friends.

Parker's assertion that "the sea is a great breeder of friendship" highlights the significance of shared experiences at sea in fostering and shaping friendships. The vastness and unpredictability of the ocean create a distinctive environment that can bring people closer together or drive them apart. The phrase "breeder of friendship" implies that the sea has the potential to nurture and cultivate deep connections among those who navigate its waters together.

The notion that "two men who have known each other for twenty years find that twenty days at sea bring them nearer than ever they were before, or else estrange them" elucidates the profound impact of the sea on existing friendships. The contrast between the extended period of twenty years and the relatively short duration of twenty days at sea underscores the intensity and transformative power of seafaring experiences. It suggests that the conditions and challenges of life at sea have the capacity to either strengthen the bond between friends or create a sense of estrangement.

Parker's observation resonates with the rich history of maritime culture, where seafaring has played a central role in shaping human relationships. The shared trials, triumphs, and moments of solitude experienced at sea often create unique and enduring connections among individuals. The sea, with its vastness and inherent danger, has the potential to forge deep and lasting friendships that are distinct from those formed in other settings.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the idea that the sea serves as a crucible for testing the authenticity and resilience of friendships. The challenges and isolation of life at sea can reveal the true nature of relationships, bringing underlying dynamics to the surface. It underscores the notion that the sea has the ability to either strengthen the bonds of friendship through shared resilience and mutual reliance or expose underlying tensions and strains within the relationship.

In conclusion, Gilbert Parker's quote encapsulates the profound impact of the sea on the dynamics of friendship. It acknowledges the sea as a unique and transformative environment that has the power to either deepen the bonds between individuals or create distance and estrangement. The quote invites contemplation on the enduring influence of seafaring experiences in shaping human connections and underscores the significance of the sea as a catalyst for fostering and revealing the true nature of friendships.