Book 8
4
But friendship between brothers is also greatly fostered by their common upbringing and similarity of age; two of an age agree,ἧλιξ ἥλικα sc. τέρπει, Aristot. Rh. 1371b 15. Crabbed age and youth cannot live together. In its fuller form the proverb continues, the old get on with the old, ἧλιξ ἥλικα τέρπε, γέρων δέ τε τέρπε γέροντα schol. ad Plat. Plat. Phaedrus 240c. The next phrase appears to be a proverb as well. and familiarity breeds fellowship, which is why the friendship between brothers resembles that between members of a comradeship. Cousins and other relatives derive their attachment from the fraternal relationship, since it is due to their descent from the same ancestor; and their sense of attachment is greater or less, according as the common ancestor is nearer or more remote.
5
The affection of children for their parents, like that of men for the gods, is the affection for what is good, and superior to oneself; for their parents have bestowed on them the greatest benefits in being the cause of their existence and rearing, and later of their education.
6
Also the friendship between parents and children affords a greater degree both of pleasure and of utility than that between persons unrelated to each other, inasmuch as they have more in common in their lives.
