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
I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
Winning friends begins with friendliness.
Dale CarnegieRead
Make no man your friend before inquiring how he has used his former friends; for you must expect him to treat you as he has treated them. Be slow to give your friendship, but when you have given it, strive to make it lasting; for it is as reprehensible to make many changes in one's associates as to have no friends at all. Neither test your friends to your own injury nor be willing to forego a test of your companions.
IsocratesRead
Be thou the first true merit to befriend, his praise is lost who stays till all commend.
Alexander PopeRead
Never forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.
Ludwig Van BeethovenRead
As the yellow gold is tried in fire, so the faith of friendship must be seen in adversity.
OvidRead