On Friendship

By Alexander Nehamas,

Book cover of On Friendship

Book description

Friends are a constant feature of our lives, yet friendship itself is difficult to define. Even Michel de Montaigne, author of the seminal essay Of Friendship," found it nearly impossible to account for the great friendship of his life. Why is something so commonplace and universal so hard to grasp?…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked On Friendship as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Since Aristotle, friendship has seemed a pure, unadulterated good. Our friends bring the best out of us. End of story. We all have known enough betrayal, mixed purposes, and painful incompatibilities to suspect the tradition, as does the philosopher Alexander Nehamas.

I particularly love the parts of the book where he takes, as an example of friendship, that between Thelma and Louise in the film of the same name. By virtue of their friendship, Thelma helps Louise gain self-confidence, and Louise helps Thelma get beyond her neurotic self-composure. Aristotle and Montaigne would be happy. However, the cost is murder, robbery,…

If you love On Friendship...

Ad

Book cover of All They Need to Know

All They Need to Know by Eileen Goudge,

On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California mountain town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women who call themselves the Tattooed Ladies. They’re there…

Want books like On Friendship?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like On Friendship.

Browse books like On Friendship

Book cover of The Gay Science: With a Prelude in Rhymes and an Appendix of Songs
Book cover of All Things Shining: Reading the Western Classics to Find Meaning in a Secular Age
Book cover of Crossing the Postmodern Divide

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,774

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like On Friendship, you might also like...

A Beggar's Bargain by Jan Sikes,

Book cover of A Beggar's Bargain

Historical Fiction Post WW2.

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and…

Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old? by Joy Loverde,

Book cover of Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?: Plan Now to Safeguard Your Health and Happiness in Old Age

Everything you need to know to plan for your own safe, financially secure, healthy, and happy old age.

For those who have no support system in place, the thought of aging without help can be a frightening, isolating prospect. Whether you have friends and family ready and able to help…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in friendships, Aristotle, and philosophy?

Friendships 1,528 books
Aristotle 57 books
Philosophy 1,800 books