A own reflection on friendship (Part I)

At some point in life, everyone questions the nature of friendship. What is it? Does it truly exist, or is it merely a chimera — an illusion we create to comfort ourselves? Is friendship essential to our lives and to self-fulfillment, or is it simply a form of mental entertainment, offering only fleeting moments of joy?

Certain circumstances — anger, disappointment, betrayal, depression, or profound loneliness — may lead us to reexamine the meaning and value of friendship. At times, such reflection becomes part of a broader life review, a moment of introspection through which we attempt to reassess our past and reorganize our future, whether on a professional, familial, or social level.

This is the process I find myself experiencing today. The circumstances may be discussed when the opportunity arises, and conclusions will follow in due time. For now, I wish to share one particular approach to understanding friendship — one among many, yet perhaps one of the most enduring. It is rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, a tradition that has shaped human thought for more than two millennia and continues to influence contemporary reflection.

Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, defined friendship* as a form of love between persons. In his ethical framework, he classified friendship according to what one person values in another:

• Friendship of Utility – based on mutual benefit or usefulness.
• Friendship of Pleasure – grounded in shared enjoyment or emotional gratification.
• Friendship of Virtue (Goodness) – founded on mutual respect for each other’s moral character and the sincere wish for the other’s well-being.

According to Aristotle, the highest and most enduring form of friendship is the one based on virtue. Such friendships are rare, as they require time, trust, and moral maturity. Yet they represent the purest expression of human connection — where each person seeks the good of the other for the other’s own sake.

* for Aristotle insight you can consult  

(https://ventovertea.com/ What Aristotle Teaches Us About Friendships)