Book 8 / Chapter 11
Paragraph 1 - The Role of Friendship in Constitutions and Ruler-Subject Relations
Explanation - Part By Part
"Each of the constitutions may be seen to involve friendship just in so far as it involves justice."
Aristotle is saying that the different forms of government (or constitutions) are linked to friendship to the extent that they are rooted in justice. In other words, the way people relate to one another in a society—whether through authority, equality, or mutual care—reflects both fairness and a form of connection or goodwill. Justice underpins these relationships, and through justice, a kind of friendship emerges between the rulers and the ruled.
This connection suggests that where a government is fair and just, a sense of trust and mutual respect (akin to friendship) can naturally develop between those in power and those subject to it. Conversely, when a system lacks justice, this foundation of goodwill is likely to break down.
"The friendship between a king and his subjects depends on an excess of benefits conferred; for he confers benefits on his subjects if being a good man he cares for them with a view to their well-being, as a shepherd does for his sheep (whence Homer called Agamemnon 'shepherd of the peoples')."
Aristotle is saying that the relationship—or "friendship"—between a king and his people is built on the king providing significant benefits to his subjects. This means that a good king is one who genuinely cares about his people's well-being and ensures their needs are met. Aristotle compares this to a shepherd taking care of his sheep, emphasizing the king's responsibility to guide, nurture, and protect those under his rule, much like a shepherd provides for and oversees his flock. By mentioning Homer’s description of Agamemnon as the "shepherd of the peoples," Aristotle reinforces the idea that the proper role of a king is to attentively and selflessly serve his people.
"Such too is the friendship of a father, though this exceeds the other in the greatness of the benefits conferred; for he is responsible for the existence of his children, which is thought the greatest good, and for their nurture and upbringing."
Aristotle is explaining that the relationship between a father and his children represents a unique kind of "friendship" because it is rooted in significant acts of care and contribution. He highlights that a father does more than just guide or protect, as a king might do for his subjects; a father is literally responsible for the existence of his children. This act—bringing them into life—is considered one of the greatest forms of goodness one can offer, and it goes even further because a father also nurtures and raises his children. Therefore, the parental bond is built upon an extraordinary foundation of generosity and responsibility, which surpasses other forms of leadership or authority in its depth and meaning.