Answer: C. He feels that independence can strengthen friendships.
According to Emerson, humans need the company of others (society) and isolation (solitude) to live happy and healthy lives. While both are very important in creating a well coordinated society, neither of them is better than the other. Both must therefore have a balance and an excess in one will not create a perfect result.
This balance also defines the concept of independence and friendship as well. In other words, independence, other than being compatible with friendship, can help strengthen them as well. While being alone can lead to loneliness sometimes, a little independence has proven to be a good thing. There is a big difference between being lonely and being alone and a little independence by choice will not make you lonely. Being alone gives room to focus on your personal interests.