On Friendship

Got a great response from Andrew Bonime re: Friendship

I quote in part:

"IN thinking about the different TYPES of friendship, I am reminded of Aristotle's three definitions:

Friendship based on sensuality
Friendship based on mutual utility, and
Teleia Philia (the completed friendship).

Here is a very good discussion on the three types that is more succinct than I could make it:

Referring to Aristotle's essay on friendship, relationships based on sensuality will endure as long as the parties are in receipt of such commodity; likewise, those based on utility will remain operative as long as the parties involved find each other mutually useful. There is, however, a "friendship grounded in virtue, such that one desires for one's friend what is best for one's friend, and this for the sake of one's friend. This is perfected or completed friendship (teleia philia), for its aims do not go outside the friendship itself... teleia philia is not characteristic of most friendships... A perfected friendship is possible only between those who are relevantly equal, though the measure of equality is not quantitative but proportional: as the audience and the great performer are not equal, but each grants to the other what is due: that is sufficient equality." [i.e. there is mutual respect; more than this, an appreciation, e.g., for the talents of others based on the observer's study and dedication to refinement.]

I have had few of the third type, but those I have are as precious as they are rare."