Book 9 / Chapter 1
Paragraph 3 - The Nature of Virtuous Friendship and Reciprocity
Explanation - Part By Part
"But where there is no contract of service, those who give up something for the sake of the other party cannot (as we have said) be complained of (for that is the nature of the friendship of virtue), and the return to them must be made on the basis of their purpose (for it is purpose that is the characteristic thing in a friend and in virtue)."
Aristotle is explaining a key idea about relationships based on virtue. When someone gives up or sacrifices something for another person without any specific agreement or expectation of repayment—essentially, when their actions come from a place of genuine goodwill or moral virtue—you can't hold them at fault or complain about their actions. Why? Because such actions are driven by higher moral ideals or intentions rooted in friendship and virtue. In these cases, any "repayment" or response to their kindness should reflect their underlying purpose: the sincere intention to do good or to support another—not a transactional expectation of equality, but a recognition of their virtue and goodwill.
"And so too, it seems, should one make a return to those with whom one has studied philosophy; for their worth cannot be measured against money, and they can get no honour which will balance their services, but still it is perhaps enough, as it is with the gods and with one's parents, to give them what one can."
Aristotle is making the point that when it comes to people who have been our teachers in philosophy (or those who have helped us grow in wisdom and understanding), the value of what they’ve given us cannot be properly measured in money or rewards. Their contribution is so profound that no amount of payment or honor can truly equal what they've done for us. However, this doesn't mean we should do nothing in return. Instead, much like how we treat the gods or our parents—with reverence, gratitude, and respect—we should do what we can to acknowledge and repay their efforts, even if it's impossible to fully match their gift to us. It's the effort and intent to return gratitude that matters, not the exact equivalence.