In
a particularly influential section of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle
reflects on the role of friendship {GR φιλία} and its effect on one’s
life.
In considering how humans should best live “a virtuous life”
Aristotle considers friendship as a most vital element. He states that
“without friends, no one would want to live, even if he had all other goods”.
Aristotle distinguishes between true friendship – that is between people who are good, like in virtue and wish the best of the other for the others sake and without qualification – and those who are friends for the sake of profit, advantage and gain. The latter are not truly friends and quickly part when the profit and advantage is no longer “for they were not lovers of each other but of profit” since “bad men do not delight in each other unless some advantage come of the relation”.
Unfortunately the friendship espoused by Aristotle is infrequent “for such men are rare”. One does not have to look far, on a daily basis we are encountered by scavengers and all-around bottom-dwellers quick to showcase, proclaim or abort friendships depending on the perceived gain. But deep down one knows that among men of these inferior sorts true friendship can never be.
Living in murky waters they will continue to feed from the bottom..
Vasilis Giavris (Lawyer & Political Scientist)
Agora Dialogue
“without friends, no one would want to live, even if he had all other goods”.
Aristotle distinguishes between true friendship – that is between people who are good, like in virtue and wish the best of the other for the others sake and without qualification – and those who are friends for the sake of profit, advantage and gain. The latter are not truly friends and quickly part when the profit and advantage is no longer “for they were not lovers of each other but of profit” since “bad men do not delight in each other unless some advantage come of the relation”.
Unfortunately the friendship espoused by Aristotle is infrequent “for such men are rare”. One does not have to look far, on a daily basis we are encountered by scavengers and all-around bottom-dwellers quick to showcase, proclaim or abort friendships depending on the perceived gain. But deep down one knows that among men of these inferior sorts true friendship can never be.
Living in murky waters they will continue to feed from the bottom..
Vasilis Giavris (Lawyer & Political Scientist)
Agora Dialogue
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