Kitap 7
17
As to seeking for ourselves and praying for many friends, and at the same time saying that one who has many friends has no friend, both statements are correct. For if it is possible to live with and share the perceptions of many at once, it is most desirable for them to be the largest possible number; but as that is very difficult, active community of perception must of necessity be in a smaller circle,
18
so that it is not only difficult to acquire many friends (for probation is needed), but also to use them when one has got them.
18
One for whom we feel affection we sometimes wish to prosper in absence from us, but sometimes to share the same experiences. And to wish to be together is a mark of friendship, for if it is possible to be together and to prosper all choose this; but if it is not possible to prosper together, then we choose as the mother of Heracles perhaps would have chosen for her son, to be a god rather than to be with her but in service to Eurystheus.
19
For men would say things like the jest which the Spartan made when somebody told him to invoke the Dioscuri in a storm.He doubtless said that being in trouble himself he did not wish to involve the Dioscuri in it (Solomon).
