Nicomachean Ethics
Although Aristotle values friendship, justice and
contemplation, friendship and justice are virtues essential for human
happiness because contemplation for a human being can be too much to
handle.
In order for any human being to be happy they must surround
themselves with friends and have many friendships. Aristotle considers
a friend to be “someone who wishes for and does good things, or things
that seem good, for the sake of the other person, or who wants the
friend to be and to live, for the friends own sake” (pg. 167; 1166a 1-
10). Agreeing with Aristotle, friends are people who wish for each
others good. Friends are people who are loyal, trustworthy, honest and
are willing to do anything for the sake of the other person. Some of
these qualities that a friend posses are based on friendships that
last. A friendship consists of many other qualities such as the
ability to want for others what you want for yourself, to always wish
your friends good fortune, and to always be at your friends side in
times of need. Aristotle goes on to say that some consider a friend to
be “someone with whom one spends time and who prefers the same things,
or someone who shares in pain and enjoyment with a friend” (pg. 167;
166a 1-10). This statement is absolutely true because one of things
that makes you friends with someone else are the same interests that
both of you have. Things that two people like or have in common brings
them closer together; therefore the friendship is much stronger. Also,
two people with the same interest will be able to communicate better
with each other and will understand the other person ...