Aristotle's Enduring Wisdom: Friendship as the Cornerstone of a Flourishing Life

Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, in his seminal work Nicomachean Ethics, profoundly explores the multifaceted nature of friendship, asserting its indispensable role in human happiness and societal cohesion. His insights, recently highlighted on social media, emphasize that "without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods; even rich men... need friends most of all." This foundational belief underscores friendship not merely as a pleasant accessory but as a vital component of a well-lived existence.

Aristotle posits that friendship acts as the very "glue that keeps society running," suggesting that "when men are friends they have no need of justice." This perspective implies that genuine camaraderie fosters a natural sense of fairness and mutual respect, reducing the necessity for external laws and regulations. He further elaborates that "the truest form of justice is thought to be a friendly quality," indicating an intrinsic link between personal relationships and civic harmony.

The philosopher distinguishes three primary types of friendship: Utility, Pleasure, and Virtue. Friendships based on utility or pleasure are considered incidental and transient, dissolving once the benefit or enjoyment ceases. These are not "friendships of the soul," as they are driven by what one gains rather than the intrinsic worth of the other person.

In contrast, friendships of Virtue are deemed "everlasting," characterized by mutual admiration for each other's intrinsic goodness. "Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good, and alike in virtue," Aristotle states, highlighting that these bonds are formed when individuals love their friends for who they are, inspiring mutual growth and betterment. Such profound connections, however, require time to cultivate, as "men cannot know each other till they have 'eaten salt together'."

Aristotle also emphasizes the active nature of friendship, noting that "true delight lies in loving others, not in being loved yourself," and that "loving seems to be the characteristic virtue of friends." He advocates for friends to "live together," signifying a shared life and mutual engagement, which he considers a hallmark of true companionship. This shared existence fosters equality and mutual benefit, even between unequals, as "friendship is the great equalizer." Ultimately, virtuous friends are expected to uphold each other's moral integrity, ensuring that "good friends do not let their friends go wrong."