Book 8 / Chapter 12
Paragraph 2 - The Nature of Friendship in Familial and Divine Relationships
Explanation - Part By Part
"The friendship of children to parents, and of men to gods, is a relation to them as to something good and superior; for they have conferred the greatest benefits, since they are the causes of their being and of their nourishment, and of their education from their birth; and this kind of friendship possesses pleasantness and utility also, more than that of strangers, inasmuch as their life is lived more in common."
Aristotle explains here that the relationship children have with their parents—and humans with the gods—is based on recognizing them as inherently good and superior. Why? Because parents and gods are seen as the ultimate benefactors: parents give life, provide sustenance, and guide their children through education and upbringing. Similarly, gods are perceived as the source of existence and divine care.
This kind of relationship has additional layers of value beyond just respect. It is pleasant because there's affection and gratitude, and it is useful because of the constant care and shared life. Compared to connections with strangers, this friendship is deeper and more integrated into daily life, as family (or divine) relationships inherently involve living closely and meeting essential needs.
"The friendship of brothers has the characteristics found in that of comrades (and especially when these are good), and in general between people who are like each other, inasmuch as they belong more to each other and start with a love for each other from their very birth, and inasmuch as those born of the same parents and brought up together and similarly educated are more akin in character; and the test of time has been applied most fully and convincingly in their case."
Aristotle is explaining the nature of the bond between siblings, or brothers specifically, and how it has unique qualities rooted in shared experience and similarity. He points out that this bond resembles the friendship seen between close comrades, particularly when those comrades are virtuous or "good." Why? Because siblings are naturally inclined towards one another from the moment they are born—they share not only the same origins (their parents) but also a common upbringing, environment, and often similar values shaped by the same education.
This shared background means siblings have more in common at a deeper level, making them more aligned in character. Additionally, the sibling relationship endures over a long period—life itself effectively tests and strengthens this bond by the amount of time siblings spend together, proving its reliability and resilience. In short, Aristotle views sibling friendship as especially durable and meaningful because it is rooted in both nature (shared blood) and nurture (shared upbringing), and it develops through a lifetime of shared experience.