Man loves company, even if it is only that of a smoldering candle. – G. C. (Georg Christoph) Lichtenberg
For my own part, I would rather be in company with a dead man than with an absent one; for if the dead man gives me no pleasure, at least he shows me no contempt; whereas the absent one, silently indeed, but very plainly, tells me that he does not think me worth his attention. – Lord Chesterfield