As a student/human, do you need friends?

[Shola joshua]

Take Isaac Newton, for example.

Brilliant? Absolutely.
Charming? Not even close.

He had no wife, no romantic relationships, and more enemies than acquaintances. His social life? Almost nonexistent. In fact, he had just one true friend in his entire life—John Wickins.

They met in college after bumping into each other on walks. Both were tired of their roommates, so they decided to live together. Wickins tolerated Newton’s eccentricities, made sure he ate and slept, and even helped with his wild experiments.

They bonded over academics. Wickins was patient. Newton… not so much.

Eventually, something happened—likely a falling-out. After Wickins moved out, he never spoke of Newton again. Not to friends. Not even to his son. No “I knew that famous genius.” Just silence.

Newton, for his part, only realized how much Wickins had done for his lab after he was gone. But instead of making amends, he simply found another assistant. That was the end of the only friendship he’d ever have.

Newton’s life was marked by brilliance, yes—but also isolation, hardship, and very little joy.

So, do you need friends? Not in the way you need air or water. Life without them is possible. But friends bring both benefits and challenges.

In the end, it comes down to this:
What kind of life do you want to live?

[Author]

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