APAD：A friend to all is a friend to none

A friend to all is a friend to none

“a friend to all is a friend to none…”  was Aristotle who coined the phrase. He stated that friendships are often based in utility, pleasure, and/or virtue. The first two are the most common — they are our work friendships, and then there are those grounded in emotion. The latter are the truest, he claimed, because they rely on a mutual appreciation for what the other holds dear.

Aristotle said it is possible to be a friend to many by simply being a good person; however, one cannot have with many people the same relationship that is based in virtue and character. “We must be content if we find a few such.” Aristotle was more concerned with quality over quantity, and we should do the same.