The Good of Friendship and It`s Meaning Essay Example

dependent on the pleasure people receive from their partners. However, for pleasure to exist between individuals, they must possess moral characters and virtues that act as driving forces. For example, honesty is necessary in a relationship for trust to be established and for the pleasure of being together to be enjoyed (Hurka 202).

Spending time together can lead to lasting friendship, as people must enjoy each other's company. Good morals and character are crucial for establishing a strong foundation of friendship. Additionally, such friendships offer the advantage of gaining knowledge.

Both parties in a friendship should acknowledge that they acquire knowledge about each other's lives. Friends trust one another and support each other's personal development. Hence, the crucial factor in sustaining enduring friendships is to possess a genuine understanding of a friend. This comprehension enables friends to aid each other in overcoming weaknesses and striving for extraordinary and commendable lives.

The author emphasizes the importance of knowledge, highlighting that individuals feel a sense of satisfaction when they have the power and ability to know that someone else cares for them (Hurka 204). Furthermore, acquiring this knowledge enhances and strengthens friendships. Another quality of good character in friendship is the capacity to acquire other moral virtues. We have a genuine desire for the happiness of others in their lives, which is why we become friends. As human beings, we all possess different virtues to varying degrees. Consequently, friends who base their friendship on good moral character will ultimately possess the ability to care for and show concern towards others.

In this passage, the author explores the impact of moral virtues on the desire for others' happiness. This desire leads to

the development of one's own morals as a result of witnessing others thrive. To cultivate moral virtue within a friendship, it is crucial to remove selfish values and prioritize the care for others. The individuals who receive heightened care in our lives include our parents, children, partners, and friends.

According to Hurka (201), our interactions with certain individuals lead us to exhibit more virtuous behavior and establish better friendships. Another perspective on the value of friendship is the presence of unique qualities, such as organic unities, that form the basis of these relationships. For instance, two people may have a mutual love, but they must first be friends in order for this love to develop (Hurka 203). As a result, there is a reciprocation of love between the individuals, fostering mutual friendship.

Love can add value to the growth and development of a friendship when it is mutual. The presence of love between two people is vital for a friendship to exist, as it provides the driving force. Consequently, the relationship between two individuals becomes valuable due to the contributions made by both parties. Another factor that can foster friendship is a long history of relationships between people. The effectiveness of this lies in the extended period of time that they have known each other (Hurka 204).

Long-lasting friendships are built between individuals who have a deep history and affection for each other. Sustaining a relationship over time requires valuing the other person as a friend. Furthermore, when two people share mutual love, it signifies their possession of strong moral values and similar qualities. If a husband commits infidelity, his presence in his wife's life will be short-lived.

Consequently, individuals choose to invest their time with those they are familiar with and genuinely care about.

The Significance of History in Friendships

In forming meaningful connections with others, history plays a pivotal role. We are drawn to individuals based on their unique qualities and experiences. The author highlights the importance of personal history in relationships. As suggested by Hurka (204), favorable personal history offers numerous benefits. Various traits influence the bonds individuals form with their partners and friends.

The qualities a person possesses, such as being fun to be with or intelligent, are often the driving factors behind love and friendship. We may be attracted to someone's intelligence and desire their association to broaden our own knowledge (Damian205). Moreover, physical appearance also contributes to attraction. If a woman has an appealing body shape, it can initiate the onset of love.

Love can arise from the combination of various qualities in a person, like possessing blue eyes and intelligence. In my perspective, the author has effectively reached a valid conclusion regarding the significance of personal attributes and qualities. Each one of us is uniquely crafted in this vast universe, leading to diverse appearances, presentations, and characteristics. As a result, attraction takes place based on individual preferences and affinities. For instance, if there is no liking towards someone, a friendship will not be formed.

Friendship is essential in the presence of love. It is crucial for individuals to acknowledge the unique abilities and traits of others, as they contribute to the formation of friendship and love. It is vital to recognize the qualities we admire in others because spending time with them can enhance our lives.

Establishing a lasting friendship enables us to acquire their diverse qualities, which fosters flourishing relationships and love. Partners can offer guidance and support to each other, allowing for growth (Hurka 206).

The development of qualities and weaknesses is essential in creating a safer world. Nevertheless, there is a misconception that liking one quality implies liking all qualities. This viewpoint is incorrect because having a preference for a specific quality does not ensure its superiority. For instance, appreciating someone's blue eyes does not imply that those eyes are the finest. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge that preferences are subjective.

Friendship founded on moral values and ethics

As per certain philosophers, significant friendships are formed by observing an individual's qualities and appearances.

The philosophers argue that we admire qualities in individuals that we perceive as good and beneficial for our personal growth. However, some philosophers argue that valuing someone solely based on their possessions does not truly define friendship. Research suggests that true friendship is rooted in accepting a person's overall character, regardless of their virtues or flaws (Hurka 211). From my perspective, friendship is a vital component of life that necessitates nurturing and progress for its development. Friendships are not solely formed based on positive aspects; even negative traits in individuals can evoke a sense of empathy that may lead to the formation of a friendship.

Liking someone for their positive qualities indicates an interest in their character and individuality. For example, many people enjoy being around others because it is fun. However, once the enjoyment ends, people often seek out new relationships. This highlights the significance of developing an affinity for a person's character and virtues rather than

solely focusing on their qualities. Hurka cautions against loving someone solely for the qualities they possess. He argues that building friendships and romantic relationships based on specific qualities is not wise, as one may be tempted to leave that person when encountered with someone who possesses better qualities (Hurka 204).

In relationships, the possibilities of replacements are significant, so it is crucial for individuals to prioritize friendships built on character and morals. A prosperous relationship involves genuinely loving a person not just for their qualities but for their authentic self as well. The significance of having a shared history in a relationship lies in the ability of love to endure even when the initial qualities that fostered it are lost. When our love for someone is centered around their physical appearance, we should not abandon them as they age and their features begin to fade. Love should be unconditional, not contingent on specific qualities an individual possesses.

According to Hurka (207), the basis for forming friendships should be the character and virtues of individuals. This is important in order to cultivate lasting relationships and personal development. The author offers a thorough examination of the significance of friendship, stressing that genuine friendships should be built upon a person's qualities and virtues rather than surface-level attributes. Additionally, the book delves into the historical aspect of friendship, underscoring that strong friendships or love are strengthened by a shared history between two people.

Establishing a lasting relationship requires individuals to cultivate genuine liking and acceptance for their partners.

Work Cited

• Hurka, Thomas. "Value And Friendship: A More Subtle View". Utilitas, vol 18, no. 03, 2006, pp. 232-242. Cambridge University Press (CUP), doi:10.1017/s0953820806002019.