(NE; bk.8; ch.3) True friends must be virtuous, therefore bad and un-virtuous men cannot be true friends. Another factor in Aristotle 's perfect friendship is equality; equality in age, station, and gender.
Aristotle says that the ultimate friendship is that of a good friendship. That is, a friendship between individuals who are good and virtuous. The individuals in this relationship wish goodwill upon each other and are good individuals themselves. He says those who wish goodwill upon their friends only for the sake of their friends having goodwill are the truest of friends. This is a type of friendship that has longevity because “goodness is an enduring thing.” The good friendship has elements of utility and pleasure, but is not based on selfish needs.
Aristotle explains that a virtuous person is who can modulate passions and consideration. Aristotle thinks two kinds of virtue; virtue as consideration and virtue as characteristics. We cannot learn the virtue as characteristics by studying. Also, we cannot be virtuous naturally. Therefore, we all can be virtuous by learning from others and preparing.
Aristotle though an individual should not have to many friend because that would take too much focuses out accomplishing the goal of happiness. He believed a person should chose friends that are like-minded and also have the same driven goals. This type of friendship is extremely hard to locate but is a great accomplishment when and individual does. Epirus also beloved an individual should find friendship with like-minded people. He supposed if a being chess friends that are not like-minded there would be uncessuery compition.
People do not act good without knowing that there is some kind of benefit in it for them. "I deny a providence, you say, and supreme governor of the world, who guides the course of events, and punishes the vicious with infamy and disappointment, and rewards the virtuous with honour and success, in all their undertakings. But surely, I deny not the course itself of events, which lies open to every one 's inquiry and examination. I acknowledge, that, in the present order of things, virtue is attended with more peace of mind than vice, and meets with a more favourable reception from the world. I am sensible, that, according to the past experience of mankind, friendship is the chief joy of human life, and moderation the only source of tranquillity and happiness."
For example, as morality is a part of rationale, the good performance of morality can lead an individual towards a virtuous and good life. Thus, when human function is done well, it is in accordance with virtue and best human life is achieved. In addition, it can be inferred that since Aristotle’s definition of happiness is to be virtuous, performing rational activity well can lead to happiness. In addition, Aristotle states, “if there are more than one virtue, in accordance with the best and most complete” (1098a18). This means that eventually there will be one virtue that is inclusive of all virtue and that displays an end, and this virtue will be in line with the self-sufficient and inclusive concept of happiness as the chief good.
A virtuous man is one who has been trained since childhood, a person who is rational and can control their impulses. A good person will always behave in a virtuous manner. Aristotle mentions two types of virtues, on relating to wisdom and one relating to character. Virtues of wisdom come by through teachings. These are things that can be learned through study.
For Aristotle this means your being the best possible person you can be. One knows their strengths but also, they will know their weaknesses. One will always work on their weaknesses. This type of person will do good things. If you want to be courageous, you must practice at it until it becomes part of your character.
To be virtuous you have to make choices for the right reason, the choices that are made have to follow the components to virtue to be considered virtuous. Aristotle voiced, “Also, we are angry and frightened without choice, but the virtues are certain kinds of choices, or not present without choice” (1106a 2-4). Not all choices are going to be virtuous ones because of the choices that are made. Not all choices have a good outcome and they could potentially not become a virtuous person. Aristotle deemed, “And for these reasons, the virtues and vices are not predispositions either, since we are not called good or bad, nor are we praised or blamed, simply for being predisposed to feel something” (1106a 7-9).
For example, a true friend is who will encourage you when you are sad, make joke with you when you are happy, or listen to and help you on your problem. The phrase “true friend” sounds very short and easy, however, to find one is very difficult these days. When we mention about the word “true”, there is one thing that we all expect: Loyal. Loyal is one of the qualities that can define