Explain how human friendship is important to one's life and development

Human beings are social animals. Without company we literally go insane. That is why solitary confinement in prison and other less than desirable places is used. Friends help us navigate through the complex labyrinth of life. Certainly Scrooge had no friends. Marley was a business partner but not a friend. Scrooge witnesses his own funeral where people are only there for the refreshments. Scrooge realizes he better get some friends pronto if he ever hopes to be happy.