“Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good, and alike in excellence; for these wish well alike to each other qua good, and they are good in themselves.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
table of contents
Quote
“Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good, and alike in excellence; for these wish well alike to each other qua good, and they are good in themselves.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle defines perfect friendship as a relationship between individuals who share moral excellence and a similar sense of virtue. True friendship, according to Aristotle, is based on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s character and actions. The friends in such a relationship wish each other well, not for selfish reasons or material gain, but because they recognize and appreciate the goodness in each other. These friends are not just friendly because of external factors like convenience or pleasure, but because their shared excellence forms the foundation of their bond. This type of friendship is built on a deeper, more stable connection, where both individuals are striving towards their highest potential, and they support each other’s growth.
Aristotle suggests that perfect friendship is rare because it requires not only shared values and virtues but also that both individuals are truly good—in terms of character and actions. Unlike other forms of friendship that may be based on utility (what one can gain from the relationship) or pleasure (enjoyment or common interests), perfect friendship transcends these motivations and is rooted in mutual admiration for goodness.
This concept is still relevant in modern discussions of friendship and moral character. In a world where many relationships are based on convenience, social status, or personal gain, Aristotle’s ideal of perfect friendship encourages us to seek relationships based on shared values, integrity, and moral growth. For example, the strongest and most enduring friendships often arise between people who encourage each other to be better versions of themselves, supporting each other not just in good times, but also in striving for personal excellence. Aristotle’s view reminds us that true friendship is a reflection of our highest ideals and the goodness we see in others.
