“Who is there, my friend, can climb to the sky?”

— Epic of Gilgamesh, Yale tablet, tr. Andrew R. George (2000)

About Epic of Gilgamesh

Ancient Mesopotamian epic poem, among the earliest surviving works of literature.

“Cherish the children your love gave life.”

“I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh.”

“This was the man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the countries of the world.”

“If you would keep your Secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.”

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”

“A true friend is one who is, as it were, a second self.”

“May we never want a friend in need, nor a bottle to give him!”

“Fortunate is he who does not carry envy as a companion.”