ETHICS

Aristotle is describing what he considers the highest form of friendship, which is built between people who are inherently good and share similar virtues or moral qualities. In such a friendship, both individuals genuinely wish the best for each other because of their goodness—not for any ulterior motive like gaining pleasure or utility, but simply because they value and respect each other's character.

Aristotle is saying that the truest form of friendship happens when two people care about each other not because of what they can gain from the relationship (like usefulness or pleasure), but because they genuinely wish the best for one another simply for the other's sake. This kind of friendship is grounded in their inner character and moral goodness, not in external or temporary factors. Since true goodness tends to be stable and long-lasting, these friendships endure as long as both individuals remain good. In essence, this is friendship based on a deep, mutual respect for each other's virtues.

This part is emphasizing that true, complete (or "perfect") friendship exists between people who are genuinely virtuous and morally good. When Aristotle says "good without qualification," he means individuals who are fundamentally and purely good—not conditionally or in specific, limited ways. These good people don't just benefit themselves but are consistently good towards others, including their friends.

In the context of their friendship, this goodness naturally makes them helpful and beneficial to one another, not out of necessity or selfish motives, but simply as a reflection of their virtuous character. Their goodness is a constant, reliable trait that strengthens their bond.

Aristotle is saying here that people who are genuinely good not only possess virtue but are also naturally enjoyable to be around. Why? Because their goodness aligns with actions and qualities that are inherently fulfilling and gratifying. These virtuous individuals find joy in noble and meaningful activities, both their own and those of others who are like them. Since their actions are virtuous and similar in nature, they naturally derive mutual enjoyment and admiration from one another. Essentially, goodness in character makes people both objectively pleasant ("without qualification") and pleasant to each other due to their shared virtuous pursuits.

Aristotle is saying that this "perfect" type of friendship—built on mutual goodness, virtue, and genuine care—tends to last over time. It endures because it includes all the essential qualities that define true friendship. These qualities, such as wishing well for each other for the other's sake and sharing a sense of goodness, create a stable and lasting bond. Unlike friendships based on utility (usefulness) or pleasure, which can fade when circumstances or interests change, this deeper connection has a natural strength, making it enduring and solid.

Aristotle is saying here that all friendships exist because they bring something positive to the people involved—either goodness (a shared sense of morality, virtue, or mutual betterment) or pleasure (enjoyment, fun, and personal satisfaction). The "good or pleasure" can either be something abstract (like aligning with a deeper ideal or value) or something directly experienced and enjoyed by the people in the relationship. Furthermore, he points out that friendships are often built on some kind of similarity or shared trait, which provides the foundation for the connection. In other words, we tend to form friendships with people who resonate with us in some meaningful way—whether that's shared values, mutual enjoyment, or common goals.

In this part, Aristotle explains that in a friendship between truly good people—those who are virtuous and moral—everything about the friendship naturally stems from their inner qualities. Their goodness ensures that all the elements that make a friendship ideal—like mutual respect, kindness, and pleasure—are inherently present. Furthermore, what is "good without qualification" (something genuinely good, not just situational or subjective) is also "pleasant without qualification." In other words, their virtue makes them not only good but also genuinely enjoyable individuals to one another, and these traits—goodness and the ability to bring joy—are the most lovable and admirable qualities in a person. This is why friendships based on virtue are the deepest and most enduring forms of friendship—they embody the highest and best aspects of human nature.

Aristotle is concluding that the purest, strongest, and most authentic form of love and friendship occurs between two people of virtue—that is, people who are morally good and share similar values and character traits. Their connection isn’t based on fleeting pleasures or temporary usefulness but on mutual respect, shared goodness, and a genuine care for one another’s well-being. This kind of bond, in Aristotle's view, is the pinnacle of human relationships because it is rooted in enduring qualities and is mutually fulfilling on the deepest level.