Venu Gupta's article emphasizes the importance of friendships in democracy, suggesting that civic engagement begins at the personal level. The decline in close friendships affects not just the individual but society as a whole. Historical thinkers like Aristotle and Hannah Arendt underline the political significance of friendship, linking it to civic life. Aristotle categorized friendships; the virtuous kind, in particular, is essential for a thriving political community. The article argues that fostering relationships can strengthen democracy by enabling communities to engage more meaningfully.
Friendship is a vital aspect of civic life—our democracy rests on our capacity to build and sustain relationships across big and small differences.
Aristotle identified three types of friendships; the most important for civic life was one based on virtue or excellence, crucial for a healthy political community.
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