“Friendship is a kind of virtue or at least intertwined with virtue. But apart from that, friendship is also a very necessary thing in human life, because no one would prefer to live without friends, even if he has all the other goods in his possession. That is why even the rich and those who hold positions and political power, believe that the presence of friends is a great need. After all, people in poverty and other misery believe that friends are the only refuge. In addition, friends help young people to prevent them from making mistakes, and, for the older ones, they take care of them and make up for the missing strengths. “Two go to-gether”, because they are both better able to understand together and act”, said Aristotle.
According to “Nicomachean Ethics”, there are 3 kinds of friendship that Aristoteles detected.
The friendship of utility
In this kind of friendship, the two people do not have true friendly feelings but rely on each other because they have reaped rewards. It does not have a permanent character and as soon as the benefits end, the friendship ends.
Aristotle observed that this type of friendship is common in the elderly, while a typical example is relationships with colleagues. If the situation changes, so does the connection to them.
Pleasure friendship
This is the most common species among young people. It is the relationship that develops between classmates, fellow students, or those who have a common activity. The friendship here is emotional but it is short.
As soon as the common interests “disappear”, then the enjoyment of friendship stops. This usually happens because the person changes and matures.
Aristotle, although he did not characterize the above two species negatively, estimated that their depth limits their quality.
The friendship of virtue The third form of friendship outlined by Aristotle is the best.
The relationship between the two is based on common virtues and ideals. The same people and values they represent motivate both parties if they are in each other’s lives.
Friendship lasts until the end and requires a basic level of kindness, time, and trust.
To succeed one needs to know the other very well, to have seen him in his worst moment, and to look to him to overcome it.
These relationships require time and dedication, but when both parties flourish, trust, admiration, and awe are reaped. They bring with them some of the sweetest joys of life.
What we all need...
Friendships of utility and enjoyment have a lack of depth and have no solid foundation. On the contrary, cultivating virtuous friendships built on the appreciation of character and kindness lasts for a lifetime. Because in the end life is too short to spend it with the wrong people.
Hug and treasure your friends, for they are the family you have chosen.