VS28 - Interpretation of VS28

    VS28 - One must not approve of those who are excessively eager for friendship, nor those who are reluctant. But one must be willing to run some risks for the sake of friendship. - Inwood and Gerson

    Thoughts:

    If you are too eager you aren't paying attention to the risks. If you are too reluctant then your fears are getting in the way.

    @TauPhi you had a good interpretation last night in our study meeting...I am trying to remember what you said?

    Here's Saint-Andre's note for VS28

    Quote

    [28] I have translated τοὺς προχείρους ("those who are ready", here in the sense of "over-ready") as "those who grasp after" because χείρ is the word for hand. There is also a play on words in the second clause, where χάρις (grace, fortune, pleasure) is used in the sense of "delight" and in the sense of "for the sake of"; to preserve the pun, I have translated both instances using the word "pleasure". I take the meaning as related to an idea from Principal Doctrine #8: we must pay for the long-term pleasures of friendship by venturing the possibility of some short-term pain ("risking some pleasure"); see also Letter to Menoikos, Section 129 and Vatican Saying #73. This is enlightened hedonism at its most social, if you will.

  • Cassius July 5, 2025 at 11:18 AM

    Changed the title of the thread from “Interpretation of VS28” to “VS28 - Interpretation of VS28”.