Book 4
4
The defect corresponding to the magnificent disposition is called Paltriness, and the excess Vulgarity, Want of Taste or the like. The latter vices do not exceed by spending too great an amount on proper objects, but by making a great display on the wrong occasions and in the wrong way. We will however speak of them later.2.20-22.
5
The magnificent man is an artist in expenditure: he can discern what is suitable, and spend great sums with good taste.
6
(For as we said at the outset,Cf. 2.1.7 fin., chap. 2.8. a disposition is defined by the activities in which it is displayed, and by the objects to which it is related.) So the magnificent man’s expenditure is suitable as well as great. And consequently the objects he produces must also be great and suitable; for so only will a great expenditure be suitable [to the resultThese words are better omitted: suitable to the occasion seems to be meant.] as well. Hence, as the object produced must be worthy of the expenditure, so also must the expenditure be worthy of or even exceed the object produced.
7
Again, the motive of the munificent man in such expenditure will be the nobility of the action, this motive being characteristic of all the virtues.
8
Moreover he will spend gladly and lavishly, since nice calculation is shabby;
9
and he will think how he can carry out his project most nobly and splendidly, rather than how much it will cost and how it can be done most cheaply.
