The Thomistic Institute How Many Friends Should I Have? I Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
7 snips
Sep 19, 2025 
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., a Dominican priest and moral theology scholar, delves into the multifaceted nature of friendship. He discusses the historical and philosophical significance of friendship, emphasizing its essential role in overcoming modern loneliness. Fr. Guilbeau explores three types of friendship—pleasure, utility, and virtue—and argues that virtuous friendships elevate the others. He highlights how friendships support Christian virtues and communal progress towards salvation, blending insights from saints and philosophers alike.
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Communication Isn’t The Same As Connection
- Technology multiplies communication methods but increases feelings of isolation and alienation.
- Short, digital, often anonymous contact fails to create deep affection between people.
Basil And Gregory’s Providential Meeting
- St. Gregory describes meeting Basil in Athens as providential: same homeland, city, and pursuit of learning united them.
- Gregory frames their meeting as arranged by God, making friendship a gift of providence.
Friendship Progresses From Delight To Shared Life
- Friendship develops gradually from attraction to affection to rational love and shared life.
- Gregory and Basil moved from delight to shared lodging, table, desires, and goals as friendship deepened.
