Aristotle On Friendship

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Philosophers have discuss and debate about friendship and the true meaning to be a friend to others Aristotle have given requirements as well as qualities a friend possession within different types of friendships. He debates that a good man does not need friends but the points he brings up proves that a good man can not live a pleasant life in solitary. Many believe this to be true based off of Aristotle points that a good man does not need friends as long as they are self sufficient and blessedly happy (63). Aristotle defends that theory by stating that a good man already has all his goods, which would make him self sufficient in itself and as long as the man is good than he does not need friendship. If a friendship were to emerge between
On page 63 of Nicomachean Ethics Book 9, he states that it is absurd for an excellent man to not be granted a friend because friends may be the greatest external good. In defense of this, life would seem uneventful or lonely if someone did not have another to turn to either in most joyous times or the darkest of times. He goes on by asking whether friends are needed more in best or worst times of life , “ a question about weather friends are needed more in good fortune than in ill-fortune; for it is assumed that in ill-fortune we need people to benefit us, and in good fortune we need others for us to benefit” (63). Interpreting what Aristotle has stated, a friend will be there to praise your accomplishments and push you further in life, or he is able to encourage you and motivate you when you are distressed from an event that would be considered unpleasant. There is not envy in the eyes of a friend when a good man raises above expectations nor is there a hidden excitement when a good man fails; A requirement of a friend is to not be envious of a fellow friend but to be happy that your friend has reach their goal and to wishes the best
If a good and self sufficient man were to develop a friendship, they may see the flaws that they themselves may not see. But not only will a good man see any flaws or things to work on in his friend, but the excellent person also who has friends can embrace the qualities that make him virtuous through his friends. This is because it is easier to view someone’s best or worst qualities through someone else’s eyes than for them to view their own. Being able to be around another person who is doing virtuous acts rather than doing virtuous acts by one’s self, gives the good man more realization that he is in fact an excellent

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