The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle, Tr. by R. Williams

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ... was based; and hence, when the friends no longer get that which is the real object of their affection, then the friendship is broken off. It was not one another that they loved; but, rather, each loved a something which the other had to offer him, and which, whatever it might be, being transitory, the friendship also was such. But that friendship which is founded upon the mutual esteem of the friends each for the character of the other, is entered into for its own sake, and independently of any results; and is, consequently, as has been said before, a permanent thing. Indeed, disputes never arise, unless the practical result of the friendship is other than the friends had expected and wished. For one might as well get nothing as not get that which one actually wants. This may be illustrated by the story of him who promised the harper that the better he sang ihe more he should receive; but who when on the morrow performance of the promise was demanded, said that he had paid for the pleasure of music with the pleasure of hope. This would have been well enough, had it been what each of the two desired; but, when the one desires amusement, and the other payment, and the one gets what he wants, while the other does not, then the transaction is no longer fairly conducted. For a man sets his mind upon that which he happens to want, and for the sake of that gives his friend whatever it may be that he gives him. A further question arises, as to whether it is he who is the first to give, who ought to fix the value of the return that is to be made, or rather he who is the first to receive. It would seem that the latter is the true solution; for he who is the first to give, puts the matter thereby into the hands of the other. It is upon this rule,...