Book 9 / Chapter 6
Paragraph 1 - Unanimity as Political Friendship
Explanation - Part By Part
"Unanimity also seems to be a friendly relation. For this reason it is not identity of opinion; for that might occur even with people who do not know each other; nor do we say that people who have the same views on any and every subject are unanimous, e.g. those who agree about the heavenly bodies (for unanimity about these is not a friendly relation), but we do say that a city is unanimous when men have the same opinion about what is to their interest, and choose the same actions, and do what they have resolved in common."
Aristotle is explaining that unanimity (agreement or harmony) is a kind of bond similar to friendship, but it’s not simply about having the same opinion on every topic. For example, two people might agree about abstract or irrelevant matters, like the nature of the stars, without having any connection or shared relationship. Such agreement on abstract subjects doesn’t create a meaningful bond.
Instead, Aristotle highlights that unanimity occurs when people agree on practical and shared interests—things that directly affect their lives and well-being. For instance, in a city, unanimity is present when citizens collectively agree on what is beneficial for their community and align their actions toward those common goals. This shared purpose and cooperation create a deeper sense of connection, resembling the qualities of friendship, but on a collective level.
"It is about things to be done, therefore, that people are said to be unanimous, and, among these, about matters of consequence and in which it is possible for both or all parties to get what they want; e.g. a city is unanimous when all its citizens think that the offices in it should be elective, or that they should form an alliance with Sparta, or that Pittacus should be their ruler-at a time when he himself was also willing to rule."
This part is about what it means for people to be in agreement, or "unanimous," in a deeper sense. Aristotle is saying that true unanimity happens when people agree on important actions and decisions that affect their collective well-being, and these actions allow everyone involved to achieve what they desire. It's not just about agreeing for the sake of agreeing—it's about agreeing on choices or goals that have real, practical significance.
For example, in a city, unanimity occurs when all citizens agree on something like making government positions elective, forming a political or military alliance (such as with Sparta), or deciding that a respected individual like Pittacus should lead them—and importantly, Pittacus himself is also willing to take on that role. This mutual agreement benefits everyone and ensures that all parties are working toward a common goal through shared understanding and action.
"But when each of two people wishes himself to have the thing in question, like the captains in the Phoenissae, they are in a state of faction; for it is not unanimity when each of two parties thinks of the same thing, whatever that may be, but only when they think of the same thing in the same hands, e.g. when both the common people and those of the better class wish the best men to rule; for thus and thus alone do all get what they aim at."
In this part, Aristotle emphasizes that true unanimity (a type of agreement or unity) isn’t simply about everyone wanting the same thing. Instead, true unanimity happens when everyone agrees not only on the goal but also on who should carry it out or have it, in a way that benefits the group as a whole.
For example, if two people or groups both desire power or leadership (like the captains in the play The Phoenissae), but each wants it for themselves, that leads to conflict or faction rather than unity. Unanimity arises when people agree that the right person or group should take charge—such as when both the wealthy elite and regular citizens agree that the most qualified individuals should rule. In this case, everyone aligns both on the goal and on who should achieve it, which ensures that everyone's interests are fulfilled and harmony is maintained.
Aristotle is essentially saying that shared purpose isn’t enough; cooperation and agreement on who should manage or achieve the shared purpose are critical to unity.
"Unanimity seems, then, to be political friendship, as indeed it is commonly said to be; for it is concerned with things that are to our interest and have an influence on our life."
Aristotle is saying here that unanimity—when people come together in agreement over decisions—is like a form of "political friendship." This kind of harmony isn't just about agreeing on abstract ideas or facts, like how the stars move in the sky. Instead, it’s about shared agreement on practical things that directly affect people’s lives and collective well-being. For example, agreements about how a city should be run, who should hold power, or what alliances to form. This form of agreement creates unity and cooperation because it reflects the shared interests and common goals of a community. Essentially, unanimity is a way for people to bond politically and socially, as it revolves around decisions that impact their quality of life and the outcome of their shared future.