ETHICS

Aristotle is pointing out that friendships based on utility or usefulness tend to be problematic. These are relationships where both people are primarily interested in what they can gain from each other, rather than forming a deeper bond. Because the focus is on self-interest, both parties often try to maximize their own benefit, which leads to frustrations and conflict. Essentially, each person is looking to "win" or come out ahead, which isn't conducive to genuine friendship.

In this part, Aristotle points out a common issue with friendships based on utility—that is, relationships where people are connected because they need something from each other. The problem arises when both individuals focus on what they are gaining rather than the relationship itself. Each person often feels like they're not receiving as much as they think they're entitled to or deserving of, and as a result, they start blaming the other person for falling short of their expectations. This means these friendships often become transactional, prone to dissatisfaction and resentment, because the emphasis is on balancing "who owes whom" rather than mutual goodwill.

This part addresses an inherent imbalance in friendships based on utility, or mutual benefit. Aristotle is pointing out that, in such relationships, even the people who try to help others often can’t meet the full expectations or desires of those they are helping. The recipients of aid or benefit tend to want more than what the giver can reasonably provide, which creates dissatisfaction. Essentially, there’s a limit to what someone can or is willing to give in these relationships, and that limit often falls short of what the other person hopes for. This disparity breeds tension and complaints because these types of friendships are centered on getting something out of the relationship rather than genuine care or virtue.