Single Idea 23919

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 4. External Goods / d. Friendship]

Full Idea

Just as if people wish to be healthy they do not become healthy, so if they wish to be friends they are not immediately in fact friends. …[1237b40] For a friend is not to be had without a test or in a single day, but needs time.

Gist of Idea

Friendship cannot be immediate; it takes time, and needs testing

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1237b21)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2021], p.118


A Reaction

The voice of experience, I think. Obviously trust is basic, and it would be unwise to trust a possible friend on the first day. Since politics aims at friendship, I presume the support of the rule of law helps to achieve trust.

Related Ideas

Idea 23916 The best cure for mutual injustice is friendship [Aristotle]

Idea 23915 The main function of politics is to produce friendship [Aristotle]