Meaning: "Real friendship, like real poetry, is extremely rare - and precious as a pearl" is a thought-provoking quote by Tahar Jelloun, a Moroccan-French author and poet. This quote highlights the rarity and value of true friendship and liken it to the rarity and preciousness of poetry. In this quote, Jelloun draws a parallel between two seemingly disparate concepts - friendship and poetry - and emphasizes their scarcity and value.

Friendship is a fundamental aspect of human connection and social interaction. It involves mutual affection, trust, and support between individuals. True friendship goes beyond mere acquaintance or casual interaction; it is characterized by a deep and enduring bond that withstands the tests of time and adversity. Jelloun's comparison of real friendship to a pearl suggests that genuine friendships are rare and valuable, much like the lustrous gemstone that is prized for its rarity and beauty.

Likewise, Jelloun draws a parallel between real friendship and poetry, emphasizing their shared rarity and preciousness. Poetry, as an art form, is a powerful means of expression that transcends ordinary language. It has the ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and capture the essence of human experience in a way that is both rare and precious. By likening real friendship to real poetry, Jelloun underscores the exceptional nature of both and the significance they hold in human life.

The comparison of friendship to poetry also suggests that genuine friendship possesses a certain artistry and depth. Like poetry, true friendship is crafted with care, creativity, and authenticity. It is not easily found, and its beauty lies in its rarity and uniqueness. Just as a pearl is formed through a natural process of gradual accumulation of layers, real friendship is cultivated through shared experiences, mutual understanding, and genuine connection.

Jelloun's quote serves as a reminder of the value of authentic human connections and the significance of nurturing and cherishing genuine friendships. In today's fast-paced and often superficial social landscape, the notion of real friendship as a rare and precious entity resonates deeply. It encourages individuals to seek and appreciate the profound connections that enrich their lives and bring meaning to their existence.

In conclusion, Tahar Jelloun's quote "Real friendship, like real poetry, is extremely rare - and precious as a pearl" encapsulates the rarity and value of genuine friendship, drawing a compelling parallel between friendship and poetry. By likening real friendship to a precious pearl and real poetry, Jelloun underscores the exceptional nature of both and the significance they hold in human life. This quote serves as a poignant reflection on the beauty and scarcity of authentic human connections, encouraging individuals to cherish and cultivate true friendships as invaluable treasures in their lives.