Note 43 — Chapter XIX · THE MORAL SCIENCE OF THE EPICUREANS. GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
Oswald J. (Oswald Joseph) Reichel translation
Hence Epicurus uses language on the value and necessity of friendship which goes far beyond the grounds on which he bases it. Friendship is unconditionally the highest of earthly goods.43 It is far more important in whose company we eat and drink, than what we eat and drink.44 In case of emergency, the wise man will not shrink from suffering the greatest pains, even death, for his friend.45