Smartyfair
Those who quickly show the marks of friendship to each other wish to be friends, but are not friends unless they both are lovable and know the fact; for a wish for friendship may arise quickly, but friendship does not.

Where these words come from

How sure this is
95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up
Nicomachean Ethics VIII.3 — translated by W. D. Ross; Complete sentence distinguishing eagerness for friendship from the familiarity and mutual knowledge it needs. Surrounding discussion and translator checked in MIT edition. Public-domain translation.
Work
Nicomachean Ethics VIII.3 — translated by W. D. Ross
Sources checked
  • classics.mit.eduChecked using manual, 20 October 2026Nicomachean Ethics VIII.3 — translated by W. D. Ross; Complete sentence distinguishing eagerness for friendship from the familiarity and mutual knowledge it needs. Surrounding discussion and translator checked in MIT edition. Public-domain translation.

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