Book 4 / Chapter 1
Paragraph 10 - Meanness Versus Liberality
Explanation - Part By Part
"And it is natural that meanness is described as the contrary of liberality; for not only is it a greater evil than prodigality, but men err more often in this direction than in the way of prodigality as we have described it."
Aristotle is saying that "meanness" (or stinginess/greed) is the opposite of "liberality" (generosity). It’s not just the opposite, though; it’s also a worse flaw than being wasteful or excessive (what Aristotle calls "prodigality"). Why? Because being stingy, selfish, or greedy occurs more frequently among people than being overly extravagant or wasteful. Basically, Aristotle is pointing out that stinginess is both more common and more harmful because it emphasizes taking and hoarding rather than sharing and giving, which goes against the balance that defines true virtue.
"So much, then, for liberality and the opposed vices."
In this final statement, Aristotle is wrapping up his discussion on liberality (which we might understand as generosity or the virtue of giving and taking appropriately). He has carefully analyzed both extremes of excess and deficiency in relation to this virtue—the vices opposed to liberality. On one end, there’s prodigality (wastefulness or reckless spending), and on the other, meanness (stinginess, or an excess focus on hoarding wealth or gaining improperly).
By saying, "So much, then, for liberality and the opposed vices," Aristotle signals that he's concluded his examination of this particular virtue and its opposite behaviors, setting the stage to possibly move forward to another virtue or topic. Essentially, he's saying: "We’ve covered this; let’s move on."