The Conversation - 3 friendship lessons from Aristotle

On a recent trip to New Delhi, my most memorable times were spent with my school friends, sharing the journey of our lives. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I live, I eagerly wait for the weekends so I can get together with my friends over a cup of tea or a more leisurely meal.

Friendships are valuable for us all, and everyone has experienced the joys involved, and even the heartbreak of losing a friend. It is no surprise that the 4th century B.C.E. philosopher Aristotle wrote that “no one would choose to live without friends,” even if they could have all other good things instead.

Michigan State University philosophy professor Emily Katz writes that her students are “astonished” when they recognize how much they learn about their modern-day relationships from Aristotle. Katz shares three important lessons on nurturing and making friends from the ancient Greek thinker.

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