“Friends for a season, friends for a reason and friends for life.” - Aristotle

Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist who is considered to be one of the greatest thinkers in psychology and ethics. One of his famous quotes is "Friendship is essentially a partnership.' You could wonder what past philosophers like Aristotle would think today of online friendships and groups or the way friendships are today.

Are friendships any different today than they were in the past?
I feel there is a season of life you go through where you are amongst friends and then seasons of life where you are immersed in family and work, just trying to stay ahead. Then it recycles back to friendships, some new, some old friendships and some revived friendships.

15 Quotes on relationships with ourself and our friends.

1. 'Our happiness depends upon ourselves.' - Aristotle
   
   Aristotle's quote, "Our happiness depends upon ourselves," reflects his belief in the power of personal agency and responsibility in achieving true happiness. According to Aristotle, happiness, or eudaimonia, is the highest good and the ultimate purpose of human life. It is not something that is given or found externally but is cultivated through our actions, decisions, and virtues.

   In Aristotle's view, happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a state of being that results from living a life of virtue and fulfilling one's potential. It is achieved through the practice of good habits, self-discipline, and moral virtues such as courage, wisdom, and temperance. By making conscious choices aligned with our values and purpose, we take control of our own happiness.

2. 'A friend to all is a friend to none.' - Aristotle

3. 'Most people would rather give than get affection.' - Aristotle

4. 'Friends hold a mirror up to each other; through that mirror, they can see each other in ways that would not otherwise be accessible to them, and it is this mirroring that helps them improve themselves as persons.' - Aristotle

5. 'Friendship is essentially a partnership.' - Aristotle

   

6. 'Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.' - Aristotle
   
   Aristotle's quote, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom," underscores the importance of self-awareness as the foundation of true knowledge. Aristotle believed that understanding oneself, thoughts, desires, strengths, and weaknesses enables us to make wise decisions and lead a virtuous life. This self-knowledge is crucial for personal growth and ethical living, as it allows us to align our actions with our values and purpose. By knowing ourselves, we gain insight into our motivations and behaviours, which is essential for developing wisdom. In essence, self-awareness is the starting point for a life of wisdom, virtue, and fulfilment.

7. 'Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.' - Aristotle

8. 'My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.' - Aristotle

9. 'To love someone is to identify with them.' - Aristotle

10. 'The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend.' - Aristotle

    

11. 'Friendship is essentially a partnership.' - Aristotle

12. 'I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.' - Aristotle

13. 'Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.' - Aristotle
    
    Aristotle's quote, "Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit," reflects his understanding of the complexities and depth involved in forming true friendships. Aristotle believed that while the desire for friendship can arise quickly, genuine friendship requires time, effort, and mutual understanding to develop. Just as a fruit takes time to ripen and reach its full sweetness, a meaningful friendship grows slowly through shared experiences, trust, and the gradual deepening of emotional bonds.

    Aristotle's insight emphasizes that real, enduring friendships are rare and valuable, deserving of patience and nurturing to fully flourish. This perspective encourages us to appreciate the journey of building strong relationships, recognizing that the most rewarding friendships are those that evolve naturally and steadily over time.

14. 'Nothing in life is more necessary than friendship.' - Aristotle

15. 'The whole is more than the sum of its parts.' - Aristotle