Book 8 / Chapter 6
Paragraph 5 - Equality in Friendships
Explanation - Part By Part
"However that may be, the aforesaid friendships involve equality; for the friends get the same things from one another and wish the same things for one another, or exchange one thing for another, e.g. pleasure for utility;"
This part discusses how certain types of friendships are based on a sense of equality—meaning that both friends give and receive something of equivalent value in return. For example, in friendships of utility, one person might provide a useful service while the other offers something else, like payment or resources, as an exchange. Similarly, in friendships based on pleasure, both friends enjoy each other's company equally. There's a kind of balance or mutual benefit in these relationships, whether it's an equal exchange of the same thing (like enjoyment) or a reciprocal exchange (like trading pleasure for utility).
"we have said, however, that they are both less truly friendships and less permanent."
Aristotle is emphasizing that friendships based purely on utility (what someone can do for you) or pleasure (how enjoyable they make your life) are not as genuine or deep as true friendships. These kinds of relationships are more transactional, meaning they rely on exchanging benefits—like swapping usefulness for fun—but they lack the solid foundation of real, lasting connection. Because they're based on what each person gets out of the relationship, they’re also less stable and more likely to end when circumstances or the benefits change.