There are friendships that are not visible to the naked eye. Friendships that, like two pieces of a puzzle, fit together perfectly even though they take two very different forms. Have you experienced friendships like this? I am thinking of those people who, although they do not match in age, culture, customs, or even language, form a strong and lasting friendship. A friendship that is essentially pure and generous, and that grows: this kind of friendship knows no boundaries or distance.

According to Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, there are three types of friendship. First there are those who love each other as friends out of some interest: their relationship is based on what can be obtained from the other. Another is friendships that are sought for pleasure, where both people get what they want, usually a superficial friendship. Finally, there is virtuous friendship, perfect friendship. Friendship based on reciprocity and disinterested mutual affection. Aristotle says that it is the friendship of good people, hardworking people who manage to build this kind of relationship. According to classical philosophers, a perfect friendship requires work, time and the cultivation of virtues. For them, friendship repels bitter moments, brightens life, causes happiness.

supporters of friendship

In the animal world there are reciprocal friendships. An example is the giant moray, which is a three-meter long eel, and its relationship with the coral grouper, a very large fish. These friends hunt together. The shrew approaches the crevice where his friend the moray eel lives and shakes his head, wiggles his body and thus tells the moray eel that it is time to hunt. The shrew shows where its prey is, and the moray, sneaking between the cracks, forces the prey to come out of hiding. The grayling, which is at the exit from the hiding place, catches its prey, and between the moray eel and the grouper they eat it together. Skarpina is a big fat fish that does not fit between the crevices of rocks.

Friendship in the age of social media has been diluted by the desire to seek acceptance by showing what others want to see, experts say

Let’s remember (…) friendships that bring us happiness, that sweeten our days, and were there even in difficult times.

Another example of mutual friendship is the one between the flounder, a tiny fish, and a species of crayfish. Gobies live in burrows on the sandy bottom, but are not very adept at digging holes. On the other hand, the crayfish is almost blind and needs a bodyguard to survive. The sea crayfish builds its sea burrow by digging a hole with its feet, while the crayfish guards the entrance to the hole. The crayfish maintains contact with the cephalopod using its antennae. So when a threat approaches, the crayfish tells the crayfish that it’s time to hide until the threat is gone. There is also a relationship between the clown fish – Nemo – and its glow plug. There are also many mutual friendships in the earthly world, but mine is of the sea.

Let’s remember those friendships that bring us happiness, that sweeten our days, and were there even in difficult times. These friendships make life more bearable and joyful. Friends with whom we have a very strong bond, like an inexplicable bond. Let’s remember those philosopher friends who, although physically no longer with us, the memory of their friendship remains with us. This writing is for my philosopher friends. (OR)