A popular love quote attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle states, 'Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.' This line has become a staple of romantic social media posts, wedding decor, and anniversary cards. However, the widely circulated attribution is incorrect. Aristotle never made this statement about romantic love; he was actually describing the nature of true friendship.
The Origin of the Misattributed Quote
The source of the quote can be traced back to the 3rd-century biographer Diogenes Laërtius, who recorded in his work Lives of Eminent Philosophers that when asked, 'What is a friend?' Aristotle replied, 'A single soul dwelling in two bodies.' Over centuries of transmission, the word 'friend' was replaced with 'love,' transforming a definition of deep friendship into a romantic ideal. Modern pop culture further cemented this misattribution, using the quote to sell Valentine's Day merchandise and fuel couple hashtags.
Understanding Philia vs. Eros
To grasp why Aristotle would describe friendship with such intense devotion, it is essential to understand how ancient Greeks categorized love. They distinguished between eros, romantic and sexual desire, and philia, a profound bond between equals based on mutual respect and virtue. In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle classified friendships into three tiers: friendships of utility (based on mutual benefit), friendships of pleasure (based on shared enjoyment), and friendships of the good (the rarest, based on admiration of moral character). In the highest form, a friend becomes 'another self,' and one cares for their well-being as fiercely as one's own. This is why Aristotle described such a bond as two bodies sharing a single spirit.
The Role of Plato in the Soulmate Myth
If the romantic notion of a 'soulmate' seems familiar, it is because of Aristotle's teacher, Plato. In The Symposium, Plato recounts a myth where humans originally had four arms, four legs, and two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them in half, condemning them to search for their 'other half' to feel whole. Over time, internet quote aggregators merged Plato's romantic myth with Aristotle's definition of friendship, creating the misleading quote. So, the next time you see this line, remember: it is a beautiful tribute to best friends, not romantic partners.
