It's interesting to compare the following quotes from Aristotle and Seneca regarding the number of friends the wise man should have:
"No one can have complete friendship for many people, just as no one can have an erotic passion for many at the same time; for [complete friendship, like erotic passion] is like an excess, and excess is naturally directed at a single individual. And just as it is difficult for many people to please the same person intensely at the same time, it is also difficult, presumably, for many to be good. [To find out whether someone is really good], one must both have experience of him and be on familiar terms with him, which is extremely difficult. If, however, the friendship is for utility or pleasure, it is possible for many people to please, for there are many people of the right sort, and the services take little time."
- Aristotle, Ethica Nicomachea, Book VIII, chap. 6 §2
- Seneca, Letters 9 (emphasis added)
Of course, you could argue that "as many friends as possible" could easily mean exactly as many as Aristotle think is possible - but it seems tempting to hear Stoicism as being reluctant to commit as much to another person as Aristotle seems to encourage. Or to put all your eggs in one or a few baskets, if you will.
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