PLATONIC FRIENDSHIP
According to Plato, friendship should be seen as a “platonic” ideal, where people are on a journey together to improve and understand themselves and the world around them. This concept of friendship excludes superficial connections based solely on pleasure or personal gain. He believed that true friendship enriches both individuals’ lives and brings them closer to an understanding of beauty and wisdom—qualities that he considered the highest goods in life.
It is a friendship that focuses on the development of character and the moral virtues of the individuals. The aim of such a friendship is not just to enjoy each other’s company but to support one another in the pursuit of a deeper understanding of life, truth, and the beauty of the world.
Plato emphasizes the importance of virtue and the influence friends can have on each other to become the best versions of themselves. In this sense, platonic friendship is a source of inspiration and growth, encouraging people not only to seek their own happiness but also to contribute to the growth and happiness of their friends.