Final answer:
Option C, 'Despite its invisibility, friendship's significance in our lives is growing,' correctly simplifies the original complex statement, emphasizing the growing importance of friendship in society. Option C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct simplification of the sentence 'Friendship is the invisible thread running through society, yet its significance in our lives is, if anything, increasing' is option C, 'Despite its invisibility, friendship's significance in our lives is growing.'
This sentence reflects the idea that while friendship may not be something we can physically see, it plays an increasingly crucial role in our personal lives and in the broader context of society.
The contribution of friendship to both individual happiness and societal well-being is supported by the work of philosophers like Aristotle, sociologists' research on social relations, and the latest observations on how technology impacts our interactions.
Option C.