Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
... the friendship of worthless people has a bad effect (because they take part, unstable as they are, in worthless pursuits, and actually become bad through each other's influence). But the friendship of the good is good, and increases in goodness because of their association. They seem even to become better men by exercising their friendship and improving each other; for the traits that they admire in each other get transferred to themselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Friendship can significantly influence our character, shaping us towards better or worse paths depending on the company we keep.
This quote by Aristotle emphasizes the profound impact that friendships can have on our moral character. It suggests that associating with virtuous individuals can lead to personal growth and improvement, as the admirable traits in friends can inspire and transfer to ourselves. Conversely, friendships with those lacking virtue can lead to negative influences and deterioration of character. Thus, the quality of our friendships is crucial in determining our own ethical and moral development.
Themes
FriendshipInfluenceVirtueCharacterGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal development, one might quote Aristotle to emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
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You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
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But if nothing but soul, or in soul mind, is qualified to count, it is impossible for there to be time unless there is soul, but only that of which time is an attribute, i.e. if change can exist without soul.
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The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
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Similar quotes
A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.
George WashingtonRead
Is that the basis of friendship? Is it as reactive as that? Do we respond only to people who seem to find us interesting?... Do we all buzz or ring or light up when people press our vanity buttons, and only then? Can I think of anyone in my whole life whom I have liked without his first showing signs of liking me?
Wallace StegnerRead
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.
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No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.
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The real frienship is like fluorescence, it shines better when everything has darken.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends.
Charles William EliotRead