Goodwill

“Goodwill seems like something that has to do with friendship, though is surely not friendship, since goodwill arises toward people one does not know, and without their being aware of it, but friendship does not”(1166b 30).

In this statement, Aristotle differentiates friendship from goodwill. Although goodwill is not a bad thing, it is not equal to a friendship because it is almost like a random act of kindness. Goodwill is done for the sake of the act and the giver more so than the recipient. A friendship is created to benefit both parties involved equally.

Moreover, the way that Aristotle describes goodwill leads me to believe that, in a way, it could be abused (then, of course, it is questionable as to whether or not it is actually goodwill anymore). Since it involves complete strangers, it seems that one could use goodwill as a means to boost their public reputation. This ulterior motive is additional to the original intentions of goodwill (which are kindness towards others and therefore a better feeling of oneself), and therefore tarnishes the act. This will not result in an honest act of goodwill or the beginning of a true friendship, which, according to Aristotle, begins with goodwill. If goodwill is done to improve ones reputation, then that sets forth a false front when seeking friendship.