“My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.”
- 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
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Quote
“My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle defines true friendship as being based on selfless and genuine goodwill. A true friend is someone who wishes the best for you, not because of any personal gain or benefit, but purely because they want what is good for you as an individual. The emphasis is on altruism—the desire to see others thrive, without selfish motives. This type of friendship is deeply rooted in virtue and is not contingent on external rewards or expectations. A person who genuinely wishes you well, without any hidden agendas, is the one who can be considered your true friend.
This concept is still highly relevant today in understanding the dynamics of trust and loyalty in friendships. True friendship is often viewed as being pure and unconditional, where the focus is on the well-being of the other person rather than personal interests or self-gain. This kind of friendship is grounded in mutual respect and care, where both individuals wish for each other’s happiness out of love and moral concern.
For example, a best friend might support you through difficult times, not because they expect something in return, but because they genuinely care about your happiness and growth. Aristotle’s quote reminds us that the highest form of friendship is based on selfless love and mutual goodwill.
