Then one has achieved the ultimate.

I think some of the loneliest people in the world are with other people. They even immerse themselves in crowds. They are famous. And even adored. Yet they are very lonely. In despair. Because there is no intimacy in their lives. It's all a sham. Just going through the motions of living. It's all show. To me, there's nothing more profound than one-on-one intimacy. Sharing with one other. An honest, genuine give and take. That's why I say that if one can get through life with having had two or three friends -- well, then life has been a success. To be able to love one other person. That alone makes life worthwhile. Then one has achieved the ultimate. --Jim Broede