Aristotle said there are 3 different types of friendship. One of them makes us better people.
Aristotle's reflections on friendship, articulated over two millennia ago, remain strikingly relevant today. He identified three types of friendships: those of utility, pleasure, and the 'perfect' friendships of the good. The latter, he argued, are rare and deeply enriching, as they are predicated on mutual virtue and the aspiration to enhance each other's character. In a world increasingly characterized by transient connections, the pursuit of such meaningful relationships is more crucial than ever.
The article elucidates how friendships of the good are built on time, shared experiences, and authenticity. As highlighted by Marisa Franco, building these relationships involves active effort, vulnerability, and genuine affection. The wisdom shared here is a gentle reminder that while friendships of utility and pleasure serve their purposes, the friendships that truly elevate us require intentional cultivation and a willingness to invest in our own character as well.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge is the increasing rarity of deep, meaningful friendships in modern society.
- The actions
- People are encouraged to actively seek out and cultivate friendships of the good through initiative, vulnerability, and authenticity.
- Evidence of progress
- The article cites data showing a rise in the number of adults without close friends, underscoring the need for intentional relationship-building.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn the importance of investing time and effort into friendships, understanding that meaningful connections require ongoing nurturing and personal growth.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 7
- Engagement
- 8
- Relationships
- 9
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 6
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Gratitude
The article celebrates the profound gift that true friendship represents, echoing the sentiment that finding a true friend is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Hope
The piece provides hope by emphasizing that friendships of the good are attainable through effort and self-improvement, not mere luck.
Courage
Building friendships of the good demands courage, as it requires individuals to be vulnerable and open with one another.
Try this today
Reflect on your current friendships and identify which ones might be based on utility or pleasure. Consider reaching out to a friend with whom you share deeper values and spend time nurturing that relationship, perhaps by sharing a personal story or experience.