#mylittlepony - #Classifying the Friendship Lessons - The Major Messages of My Little Pony (Part One?)

Classifying the Friendship Lessons - The Major Messages of My Little Pony (Part One?)

(I intended to post this the NPT following the season finale - a sort of retrospective on the major themes of the show. But listing EVERY friendship lesson is ambitious and breeds procrastination, This post is about half of them. So without further ado . . . )

Everyone matters and has something valuable to offer . . .

A real leader doesn't force her subjects to deny who they are. She celebrates what makes them unique and listens when one of them finds a better way. - To Where And Back Again

I've learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It's a good idea to stop and listen to your friends' opinions and perspectives... Even when they don't always seem to make sense...- Swarm of the Century

Maybe if I paid more attention to what you had to say instead of talkin' all the time, none o' this would've happened in the first place. I just need to... talk less and listen more. - Where The Apple Lies

If it weren't for your history with Flim and Flam, you never would've been so determined to find somepony else to help, and we never would have found out what Gladmane was doing. . . . And if it weren't for you wantin' to show even those two con-ponies kindness, we never would have been able to trick the trickster. - Viva Las Pegasus

Everyone matters, Wallflower. No matter how insignificant or invisible they feel. - Forgotten Friendship

Everypony's contributions is important, no matter how small. - Hurricane Fluttershy

By building that stage and making sure the play went on, you showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference! - Made in Manehattan

Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful. - The Cutie Re-Mark

every pony is the star of their own story. And it's not just the main characters in our stories that make life so rich; it's everypony. Those who play big parts, and those who play small. If it weren't for everypony in this room, and many more who couldn't be here today, Cranky and Matilda's lives wouldn't be as full and vibrant as they are. - Slice of Life

we've been wrong. Um, the hive may be a gentler, nicer place....but that doesn't mean we won't have to defend ourselves....And who better to help us do that than the only changeling who never stopped protecting us? - To Change a Changeling

. . . Including you; You're valuable for who you are

It helped me to learn that we all have hidden talents, and if we're patient and diligent we're sure to find them. And as always, with good friendship and teamwork, ponies can accomplish anything... - Winter Wrap up

Not everypony is right for every job, but everypony has something to contribute. The trick is figuring out what. - A Horse Shoe-in

Came this close to blowing it because I got so wrapped up in how awesome she was, I almost forgot about how awesome I was. Good thing I didn't, 'cause it gave me a chance to show her how important it is to put your trust in somepony else – Daring Don't .

And it just doesn't matter if you can fly or not. Your routine was amazing because it represented exactly what makes Ponyville special. . . . Maybe you'll fly someday, or maybe you won't. You're all kinds of awesome anyway. - Flight To The Finish

Turns out I was just a-lookin' at my cutie mark all wrong. - Appleloosa's Most Wanted

It doesn't really matter if you're a great pony or a horrible pony. You're the best Yona I know. - She's All Yak

I hope you realize that just because we don't always need your help, it doesn't mean that we don't think you're helpful. And that you don't have to have superpowers to be a super friend. - Power Ponies

Nopony could ever take your place, and we could never have a party without you. - Pinkie Pride

There are many things that make you who you are, and some things that don't

I realize that who I am is not the same as what I am. - Dragon Quest

you're more than just where you're from or who you live with. We love you because you're you, no matter where you choose to be. - Surf and Turf

I know exactly who I am. And how I got that way.. . . I already know who my real family is. - Father Knows Beast

And even though we're all a little scared, a cutie mark won't change who we are or how everypony feels about us! - Bloom and Gloom

There's more to me than just flying, and I bet there's more to you, too.[...] I guess it's time to see what other stuff I can do. - Marks and Recreations

None of those ponies had anything valuable enough to trade for my books. Not because these books belong to a princess, but because they helped make me who I am. - Trade ya'

I wanted to tell you about the important lesson I learned during my visit. I learned that no matter where you go in life, you should never forget that you are the product of your home and your friends. And that is something always to be proud of, no matter what. - Suite and Elite

So be expressive and true to yourself

I was so afraid of being thought of as a showoff that I was hiding a part of who I am. My friends helped me realize that it's okay to be proud of your talents, and there are times when it's appropriate to show them off... Especially when you're standing up for your friends. - Boast Busters

Sometimes, the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are...- Call of the Cutie

Being a good friend means being able to keep a secret, but you should never be afraid to share your true feelings with a good friend. - Green Isn't Your Color

I learned an important lesson: real friends will like you for who you are, and changing yourself to impress them is no way to make new ones. And when you're as fabulous as I am, it's practically a crime. - Simple Ways

Being afraid can stop you from doing something that you love. But hiding behind these fears means you're only hiding from your true self. It's much better to face those fears so you can shine and be the best pony you can possibly be.- Filli Vanilli

Bein' honest sure gets hard when it seems like the truth might hurt somepony you care about. But I think believin' a lie can end up hurtin' them even more. Maybe some ponies don't care about that – but I sure ain't one of them. - Leap of Faith

Today I learned how important it is to be honest with your friends when they're doing something that you don't think is right. A true friend knows that you're speaking up because you care about them. - Inspiration Manifestation

If you cannot accept who you are, your life might seem like a bad dream. But if I like who I am, do you think other ponies will too? Princess Luna: Of course. Apple Bloom: Then it doesn't matter what my cutie mark is! . . . And even though we're all a little scared, a cutie mark won't change who we are or how everypony feels about us! - Bloom and Gloom

We shouldn't try to make Equestria feel like your home. We should try to make you feel at home in Equestria. And that means showing you why we love it here, so you'll love it too. - Party Pooped

I'm real sorry I haven't been lettin' you know that's how I feel. Guess both of us have been holdin' back when it comes to expressin' ourselves, huh? - Brotherhooves Social

And you're allowed to feel a little jealous about it. You just have to be able to admit that that's what you're feeling so you can let it go! - What About Discord?

The real perk of friendship is gettin' to see your friend bein' true to their self.- The Mane Attraction

If I was true to myself, I couldn't go wrong! - The Mane Attraction

I know what it's like to have something you're not exactly proud of. . . . I should have told you the truth. - The Crystalling

I was afraid I might go back to the pony I used to be. But... I realized that sometimes you don't have a choice. You have to step up. - To Where And Back Again

Instead of forcing ourselves to do something that's not meant for us...We each should be embracing our true talents. - Show Stoppers

I didn't. Huh. I guess anger's like other feelings. It's not about having them. It's what you do with them. And givin' up happiness to keep away anger is no kind o' life. - Sounds of Silence

And be honest

This is Spike, writing to you about my adventures. This week, I learned that being jealous, and telling lies, gets you nowhere in friendship. I also learned that there's plenty of love for every friend to share. - Owl's Well That Ends Well

It's a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there's no reason to hide when you don't do as well as you'd hoped. You can't run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family. - The Last Roundup

If you take your time to do things the right way, your work will speak for itself. Sure, I could tell you I learned somethin' about how my friends are always there to help me, and I can count on them no matter what, but truth is, I knew that already, too. - Super Cider Squeezy 6000

Waiting for what your heart desires can be really hard. So, you may try to take a shortcut. But this dishonesty never works, because you didn't earn what your heart desired. The only cure is being honest with yourself, and others. And that's something every heart desires. - Cuite Pox

I should've just told you I'll never like camping. Also, I'll never like camping. - The Mean Six

This week my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you oftentimes end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. - Suited For Success

I should've been honest with you from the start, because lying to your friends is wrong. . ..I thought the hassle was worth it just to spare your feelings, but I was wrong. - Secrets and Pies

"If you have a job to do, you have to decide what's best and be upfront and honest, even if that means you can't work with a friend on it" . . . ."So, I guess that means talking to them at the beginning instead of stnging them along until you get so frustrated you totally lose it and say a bunch of really awful trihings?" - A Horse Shoe-in

Honesty is one of the pillars of friendship. - Marks for Effort

Don't worry about mistakes and little things or assuming the worst

Nopony starts out perfect and sometimes you gotta make a few mistakes to figure out who you are. - Where The Apple Lies

Sometimes you have to do things, even though you might fail. - Flutter Brutter

You'll never become a Wonderbolt if you're too afraid to shine. . . . you shouldn't have been so content to take a back seat. - Top Bolt

I'm gonna solve problems as they come, and stop worrying about every little thing!

And that you shouldn't let your worries turn a small problem.. ...into an enormously huge entire-town-in-total-chaos Princess-has-to-come-and-save-the-day problem!

I was so worried about how it could go wrong, I didn't even think about how it could go right.I should have told my two friends about each other immediately instead of assuming they wouldn't get along. - Triple Threat

I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Next time I'll ask before taking matters into my own hooves. - A Bird in the Hoof

I shouldn't knock something until I've tried it. - Read It And Weep

it's not good to jump to conclusions. You have to find out all the facts before saying somepony did something. If you don't, you could end up blaming somepony for something they never did. This could hurt their feelings. - MMMystery on the Friendship Express

Have faith in others

This adventure has taught me to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength, and can help you overcome even your greatest fears. - Dragonshy

Just because somepony is ladylike doesn't make her weak. In fact, by using her wits, a seemingly defenseless pony can be the one who outsmarts and outshines them all. - A Dog and Pony Show

I thought you couldn't make a friend without my help, but it turns out you couldn't make a friend with my help. I underestimated you. - Rock Solid Friendship

I'm sorry I misjudged you for being older ponies. You mares are actually pretty cool. - Grannies Gone Wild My Granny Smith is super special! I just forgot that for a little while. - Family Appreciation Day

Rare, I couldn't have done it without you. And I'm sorry I doubted you. - Rarity Investigates

Never judge a book by its cover. - Bridle Gossip

Always expect the best from your friends and never assume the worst. Rest assured that a good friend always has your best interests at heart. - Party Of One

She taught me that one of the best things you can do with friendship is to give it to others, and help them find it themselves! And I'm happy to report that all of Ponyville has learned that even though somepony seems a little intimidating, even scary, when you offer them your friendship, you'll discover a whole new pony underneath. - Luna Eclipsed

Then Applejack told us about how you were being bullied back in Manehattan. And we figured out you were just doing it to avoid getting picked on in Ponyville. But, by then... we were the ones being bullies. - One Bad Apple

By treating Discord as a friend, she got him to realize that friendship was actually important to him. And something that, once he had, he didn't want to lose. - Keep Calm and Flutter On

I did get a little carried away watchin' over you, and if you hadn't snuck out like you did, maybe I wouldn't have figured that out. - Somepony To Watch Over Me

I'm sorry I got jealous about those dresses. I know now that you were only trying to help. - For Whom The Sweetie Belle Toils

Vapor was never trying to steal your spotlight. She thought she was helping you. - Top Bolt

And let others help you

So while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer. - Applebuck Season

Having a friend look at what you're doing with an outside eye can really help! - Applejack's Day Off

My magic alone wasn't powerful enough to take on the Alicorn Amulet head to head, so I needed to use a different kind of magic – the magic of friendship. - Magic Duel

I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. - Magical Mystery Cure

Sunset Shimmer: I've let magic turn me into a monster, too. So if anyone understands what you're going through, it's me. I can help you, Twilight. And the rest of our friends can be there for you, too. But not if you run away. . . . Gloriosa Daisy: Thank you. For everything. Oh, if I'd just asked for help in the first place. - Legend of Everfree

And be humble

A good leader knows when to ask for help, but a great leader has the courage to admit when they've made a mistake and the strength to make it right.- Beginning of the End

I assumed that I'd be just as good with kids as I am with animals. Boy, was I wrong. I really learned the hard way not to bite off more than I can chew. - Stare Master

It's great to be really good at something, but it's important to act with grace and humility. And I guess I should've also acted with grace and humility when others outshine me. - The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well

Being a caregiver is way more responsibility than just being a playmate, and today I learned that sometimes, our desire for responsibility can outrun our actual ability to handle it. - Baby Cakes

We almost forgot the real reason she's special: because she's our friend. But she forgave us, and, like magic, things are good as new. - Twilight Time

I spent my whole life trying to be a standout flier, but now that I'm a Wonderbolt, it's time to be okay with fitting in. - Newbie Dash

I'm sorry for ruining your game, and I'm sorry that I thought I was better than you! - Dungeons and Discords

I learned how important it is to keep your hooves on the ground, and be there for your friends. - Sonic Rainboom

Everyone has more to learn

I guess everypony still has things to learn about friendship. Even me! - To Change A Changeling

even long time friends need to work at communication. - P.P.O.V.

Chancellor Neighsay: I thought friendship was something only ponies should share with each other. But you all taught me how wrong I was. I suppose true friendship can take a lifetime to understand. Twilight Sparkle: If it were easy to learn, we wouldn't need a school. - School Daze

You mustn't think older ponies automatically know best. - The Cart Before The Horse

Let people learn in their own way and make their own decisions, there's more to leadership than force

One way of learning isn't better than another. After all, every pony is unique and individual. - Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3

Though it's impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who's true will surely come to light. - Griffon The Brush Off

No matter how good our intentions might have been, we shoulda never meddled in your relationship. No pony can force two ponies to be together. It's up to everypony to choose that very special somepony for themselves. - Hearts and Hooves Day

Princess Celestia gave me room to make my own decisions, and my own friends. I need to give you the same freedom. I shouldn't have tried to pick and choose your friends for you. Just like me, you have to make your own decisions, and your own friends. . . . But it's not my place to judge. It's all up to you. - No Second Prances

I know she needed to be put on the right path, but giving her the space to make her own decisions worked pretty well! Isn't that how Celestia taught you? - The Crystalling

You can't control her actions. Only yours. Teach her what's safe and what isn't, like a good role model. Then hope she makes the right decisions.- The Washouts

A true princess in any world leads not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her. - Equestria Girls

So maybe it takes more than just being big and strong to be a good Dragon Lord! - Gauntlet Of Fire

And while we may be different, that's not a bad thing

I found out that if you embrace each other's differences, you just might be surprised to discover a way to be friends after all... - Look Before You Sleep

Friendship is a wondrous and powerful thing. Even the worst of enemies can become friends. You need understanding and compromise. You've got to share. You've got to care. And like the path cut through the orchard, there'll always be a way through. - Over A Barrel

And now our bodies will become as cold as our hearts... all because we were foolish enough to hate. No matter what our differences, we're all ponies. - Hearth's Warming Eve

There are many different kinds of friends, and many ways to express friendship. Some friends like to run and laugh and play together. But others just like to be left alone, and that's fine too. But the best thing about friendship is being able to make your friends smile. - A Friend In Deed

The thing that makes us click and makes a special bond between us is how much we all love Pinkie Pie. - Maud Pie

Studying could only take me so far. Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five! - Cutie Map

I was so focused on us bein' one big happy family, I thought we needed the same traditions right away. What I should've done was learn about yours, and teach you about ours, and over time, we'd make new traditions together. - Hearth Breakers

We do lots of fun things together, but I'm afraid this just isn't gonna be one of them. - Scare Master

I love the Daring Do that solves puzzles and uses her brain to get out of tough situations, and she did way more of that in the original trilogy! You love the Daring Do that is brave and awesome and comes out on top no matter what the odds! . . . we don't have to agree on everything to get along. - Stranger Than Fanfiction

I don't know why I got so worried about us not having anything in common....it doesn't matter as long as we enjoy each other's company. - Uncommon Bond

We don't have to love the exact same things to have fun together. I mean, imagine if we did! How boring would that be? . . . When we give each other a chance to share the different things we enjoy, it can be surprisingly wonderful! - The End in Friend

A new friend can come from anywhere. - To Change A Changeling

Garble saved our eggs because he was strong enough to be who he is, whether you liked it or not. I grew up thinking it was okay to make fun of differences. But my friends have taught me to celebrate them. - Sweet and Smoky

We make sense to me. I never would've thought to make singing ginseng before I met you. But you've opened me up to so many more possibilities and impossibilities. So I guess what I'm trying to say is I like you because you're so different from me.- Discordant Harmony

Don't focus too much on competition . . .

It's important to remember that the friendship is always more important than the competition. - Fall Weather Friends

if I ever have to choose between winning and my friends, I'm always gonna choose my friends. 'Cause as much as I love winning, I love them waaaaay more. - Rainbow Falls

No trophy is worth getting eaten over. - Non-compete clause

"competing against one another was getting us nowhere....winning was the only thing driving us. We didn't even care if we had to steal to accomplish it....Combining our talents is the most logical thing to do." - Dance Magic

Pinkie, you were the best teammate I could ask for, but I let wanting to win keep me from seeing that. Pinkie Pie: [scoffs] I knew you wanted to win, but I probably could have helped a little. And even if I couldn't... Twilight Sparkle: ...we still could've had fun. I'm so sorry for not realizing it. I got so obsessed with one thing, I forgot what really mattered. Pinkie Pie: [sarcastically] No! That doesn't sound like you at all! Twilight Sparkle: Well, win or lose, nothing is more important than my friend. Or my team. - A Trivial Pursuit

. . . Or perfection

Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great. - Best Night Ever

when you're with folks you care about, you don't have to do much to make that time memorable. Even the simplest of activities can take on a whole lotta meanin'! And you'll find that you'll remember the who long after you've forgotten the what. - Apple Family Reunion

I think it's pretty clear that my visit with Cadance didn't go quite the way I expected. But in the end, I realized that when you're with a good friend, even the most chaotic day can end up being a great experience. - Three's A Crowd

Mrs. Cake: It's just like baking. Sometimes, it's the mistakes that help you discover something truly special. Spike: And when all the planning and grand gestures go wrong, it reminds you the most romantic things are usually the simplest. - The Big Mac Question

'Cause your connections with others are the golden puzzle piece

how wonderful it is to have friends, - Friendship Is Magic/Elements of Harmony

We've learned that friendship isn't always easy. But there's no doubt it's worth fighting for. - Return of Harmony

Sometimes friendships can be hard, and it takes work to maintain them. But without friends, things can be a lot harder. - The Last Problem

But there's no thing that's worth as much to me as a friend. - Trade Ya'

Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more. - Twilight's Kingdom

We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us! - Cutie Map

If you can learn to care about each other again, Griffonstone could be a mightier kingdom than it ever was before! And you don't need some golden idol to do that. You just need each other. - The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone

we didn't need my friendship portfolio to do it. We just needed each other! - Hoofields And McColts

I feel like I found a piece of me I didn't even know was missin'. . . And I should've been here. Ah, I can't believe I let a silly feud keep me from my family. - The Perfect Pear

the power of friendship is a magical force indeed. And that in turning away from others, you hurt yourself as well. - Shadow Play

There will always be darkness in the world, but there will also always be those who find the light! The Pillars knew this! That's why they created the Elements of Harmony! The Elements showed me and my friends how strong our friendship could be! Together we worked to bring harmony to Equestria! But there will always be more to do! Which is why we teach others about the Magic of Friendship! Others who will continue our mission after we are gone! Now I truly understand! The Elements were just symbols! The real magic has always been right here! And the more who understand how powerful friendship is, the stronger we will all be! Together! - The Last Problem

Submitted November 14, 2019 at 11:00AM by Crocoshark
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