Freindship

  • 384–322 BCE — Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
    384 BCE

    384–322 BCE — Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

    Discipline: Philosophy
    Why it fits friendship:
    Aristotle provides one of the earliest formal theories of friendship
    This is one of the foundational ideas in Western thought about what makes a friendship meaningful. His definitions are still used today in psychology, ethics, and relationship studies. Aristotle basically established the blueprint for how humans analyze and understand friendships.
  • 1470 — Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
    1468

    1470 — Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

    Discipline: Literature
    Why it fits friendship:
    This text brings together centuries of Arthurian legend, focusing heavily on loyalty, betrayal, brotherhood, and chosen family. Arthur and Lancelot’s friendship represents loyalty pushed to its limits. The Knights of the Round Table symbolize unity, trust, and shared purpose. The entire tragedy of Camelot centers around friendships strengthened — and destroyed — by honor and love.
  • 1863 — Mathew Brady’s Civil War PhotographyDiscipline: Photography

    1863 — Mathew Brady’s Civil War PhotographyDiscipline: Photography

    Discipline: Photography
    Why it fits friendship:
    Brady captured some of the earliest documentary photographs of war, showing soldiers depending on one another for survival.
    These photos changed how the public understood both war and the relationships soldiers form through hardship.
  • 1967 — The Beatles: With a Little Help From My Friends

    1967 — The Beatles: With a Little Help From My Friends

    Discipline: Music
    Why it fits friendship:
    This song became one of the most iconic representations of friendship in music history. It became an anthem for unity and reassurance, still used today in movies, shows, and celebrations of friendship.
  • 1982 — E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    1982 — E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Discipline: Film History
    Why it fits friendship:
    The film tells the story of Elliott and E.T., showing that friendship transcends differences.E.T. became one of cinema’s most powerful examples of cross-boundary friendship — proving that connection can exist even in the most unlikely places.
  • 1991 — Dog Day Afternoon Re-release Photography by LIFE Magazine

    1991 — Dog Day Afternoon Re-release Photography by LIFE Magazine

    Discipline: Photography
    Why it fits friendship:
    The re-release featured iconic photos highlighting human connection and loyalty during chaotic events. The images show how people rely on friends — even in crisis — displaying trust and emotional support.
  • 1994 — Friends (TV show premiere promo photography)

    1994 — Friends (TV show premiere promo photography)

    Discipline: Visual Arts / Photography
    Why it fits friendship:
    The promotional images and early concept art emphasize friendship as chosen family. The group’s closeness highlights how friendships become your support system in adulthood.
  • 1985 — The Breakfast Club

    1985 — The Breakfast Club

    Discipline: Film History
    Why it fits friendship:
    This film shows how unlikely friendships form when people let their walls down. Five teens from different cliques learn to understand and support each other, showing that real friendship crosses stereotypes and judgments.
  • 1987 — U2, With or Without You

    1987 — U2, With or Without You

    Discipline: Music
    Why it fits friendship:
    Although often read as a love song, the theme of emotional dependence connects to friendship too — showing how deeply people rely on one another during personal struggles. It captures the tension and closeness found in deep relationships.
  • 1989 — Dead Poets Society

    1989 — Dead Poets Society

    Discipline: Film History / Literature
    Why it fits friendship:
    The boys’ friendships revolve around supporting each other’s dreams. They stand by one another in joy and tragedy, showing how friendships can inspire courage and identity.
  • 1995 — Toy Story (Pixar)

    1995 — Toy Story (Pixar)

    Discipline: Film History
    Why it fits friendship:
    Woody and Buzz go from rivals to best friends. Their bond shows how friendship grows through trust, teamwork, and understanding differences.
  • 1996 — The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)

    1996 — The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)

    Discipline: Film History
    Why it fits friendship:
    Quasimodo and Phoebus form an unexpected friendship grounded in loyalty and bravery. It shows that friendship can break barriers of appearance, status, and fear.