Cicero's dialogue on friendship demonstrates his approach to philosophy, drawing on the work of the Greeks that preceded him, especially Plato and Aristotle. While set in the Rome of his day, he harkens back to those thinkers who defined such concepts as virtue and the Good. A notable example being Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics.

Cicero states that "the very essence of friendship" is "a common set of beliefs, aspirations, and opinions." (p 31). He further states that friendship is only possible between those who "act and live so that their lives give proof of faithfulness, integrity, fairness, and generosity; and who are free from any low passion, greed, or violence; and are of great strength of character," (p 37). Most important for true friendship, however, is virtue and "virtue, too, loves itself," (p 165); in conclusion he states, "I say it is virtue that creates and preserves friendships. Virtue is the source of compatibility, stability, and permanence." (p 169)

Cicero's stance would seem to be one that in most respects is consistent with some modern views as it prominently does not depend on "service above self", but is consistent with integrity and treating others with respect while acting virtuously. This translation by Philip Freeman is felicitous in making Cicero's beautiful Latin prose read as fluently in contemporary English. The result is a demonstration that we can still learn from the classical thinkers of Rome and Greece. ( )

A beautiful treatise on friendship. Cicero's little essay on friendship is worth reading both for its own sake and as a historically important work. The work was incredibly influential during the medieval ages (as evidenced by the many surviving medieval copies), shaping Western notions of friendship for centuries. Reading the work for myself, I could understand why.

The treatise celebrates friendship, arguing that friendships are formed not solely for tangible benefits but because our friends are mirrors for our souls. Unlike family, friends are companions that we choose. Cicero writes a beautiful metaphor about how if the gods gave you all power over earth and sea, you would still be miserable without someone to share your impressions with (and philosophers Hume and Smith shared a similar thought through their letters to each other). The treatise argues that friendship comes out of virtue and goodness, and as a result a friend would never another friend for favors that would compromise the latter's honor. Friends should be honest and candid with each other, not acting like courtiers simply flattering a friend's ego. In addition to the abstract celebrations of friendship, and its virtues the book is full of practical tips. We should appreciate our old friends but not be close minded to new friends. It's better to take time to know someone because estranged friendships are painful and possibly creates enemies.

My view on translations has changed overtime. At a certain point I would have enjoyed more technical translations, but I've come to appreciate translations that try more capture the spirit of the original. Something is always lost in translation (even if not across languages, across time and cultural contexts) but there's no reason to maximize only literal fidelity. I've enjoyed the "Ancient Guide" series for the colloquial translations of major works, and I've enjoyed in particular this translation of an important and moving work. ( )