Book 4 / Chapter 1
Paragraph 2 - The Virtue of Liberality
Explanation - Part By Part
"This, then, is the sense in which we take the word 'prodigality'."
Here, Aristotle clarifies how he is using the term "prodigality." In his context, he is focusing on the specific sense of prodigality as the habit or behavior of wasting one’s wealth or resources to the point of self-destruction. He excludes other meanings or broader interpretations of the word that might include additional faults, like excessive self-indulgence. Prodigality, in this sense, is viewed as a flaw tied directly to how someone handles their wealth—specifically, by squandering it irresponsibly. Aristotle narrows this definition to explore the idea of balance (the "mean") in the use of wealth, contrasting it with other virtues and vices related to money.
"Now the things that have a use may be used either well or badly; and riches is a useful thing; and everything is used best by the man who has the virtue concerned with it; riches, therefore, will be used best by the man who has the virtue concerned with wealth; and this is the liberal man."
Aristotle is essentially saying here that anything that can be used—like wealth—can be used wisely or poorly. Wealth, being a practical tool, is most beneficial when it's managed by a person who possesses the virtue related to how wealth should be used. This specific virtue is liberality (generosity), and a "liberal man" is someone who knows how to handle wealth in the right way. In other words, a virtuous person is best suited to use wealth responsibly and effectively.
"Now spending and giving seem to be the using of wealth; taking and keeping rather the possession of it."
Aristotle is drawing a distinction between two types of actions related to wealth: "spending and giving" versus "taking and keeping." He sees spending and giving as the active use of wealth—how one actually utilizes wealth to impact the world or help others. On the other hand, taking and keeping are more about the passive possession of wealth—simply having or hoarding wealth without actively putting it to good use. In his view, using wealth virtuously (through thoughtful spending and giving) is far more important for ethical living than merely possessing it.
"Hence it is more the mark of the liberal man to give to the right people than to take from the right sources and not to take from the wrong."
Aristotle is emphasizing that the essence of being a truly generous (liberal) person lies in giving to the right people—those who need or deserve aid—rather than simply focusing on where one acquires wealth or avoiding unethical means of obtaining it. While both aspects are important in relation to wealth, the act of giving to the right individuals highlights a proactive and virtuous quality, as it involves actively doing good and benefiting others. Generosity isn’t just about refraining from wrongdoing (like not taking from inappropriate sources); it's primarily about who you choose to help and how you use your resources to make a positive difference.
"For it is more characteristic of virtue to do good than to have good done to one, and more characteristic to do what is noble than not to do what is base; and it is not hard to see that giving implies doing good and doing what is noble, and taking implies having good done to one or not acting basely."
Aristotle is saying that true virtue is about actively doing good rather than passively benefiting from good things done to you. Likewise, it's more virtuous to take noble, honorable actions than simply to avoid dishonorable ones. Giving to others represents an act of goodness and nobility because it benefits others and reflects generosity. On the other hand, taking something (even when it's not wrong) is more about receiving a good rather than creating one, which doesn't demonstrate the same active moral excellence.
In short, virtue is about action—specifically, actions that reflect generosity and honor rather than just avoiding bad behavior or simply accepting kindness from others.
"And gratitude is felt towards him who gives, not towards him who does not take, and praise also is bestowed more on him."
Aristotle is making the point that people naturally feel more gratitude and admiration toward someone who gives generously rather than someone who merely refrains from taking what doesn’t belong to them. Giving involves an active and positive effort to benefit others, which earns praise and acknowledgment. On the other hand, not taking something (even if it’s morally correct) is more about avoiding harm or wrong, and thus does not prompt the same level of recognition or gratitude.
"It is easier, also, not to take than to give; for men are apter to give away their own too little than to take what is another's."
Aristotle is making an observation about human behavior here. He argues that it’s generally easier for people to refrain from taking something that doesn't belong to them than it is for them to give away what they already own. This is because people are often more reluctant to part with their own resources or possessions, showing a natural tendency toward holding on to what they have, rather than actively seeking out what belongs to others. Essentially, generosity (giving) requires a greater effort and a deliberate act of virtue compared to simply avoiding greed (not taking).
"Givers, too, are called liberal; but those who do not take are not praised for liberality but rather for justice; while those who take are hardly praised at all."
Aristotle is drawing a distinction between giving and taking when it comes to wealth and how people perceive these actions. He points out that those who give to others are seen as "liberal" (generous)—this is a virtuous and praiseworthy quality. On the other hand, merely refraining from taking doesn't earn you the same praise for being generous. Instead, it leans more toward fairness or "justice," which is its own kind of virtue but not the same as generosity.
Finally, those who take (even from rightful sources or in moderation) generally aren't praised much at all. Giving is outward-facing and beneficial to others, so it is admired and celebrated; while not taking, though potentially a moral choice, doesn’t carry the same active goodness.
"And the liberal are almost the most loved of all virtuous characters, since they are useful; and this depends on their giving."
Aristotle is highlighting here that people who embody the virtue of liberality, meaning they possess the right balance when it comes to handling wealth, tend to be among the most admired and loved individuals. Why? Because their generosity, or their willingness to give in appropriate and meaningful ways, makes them useful to others. It is this quality—the act of thoughtful and purposeful giving—that earns them respect and affection. Aristotle is emphasizing that being generous in this balanced way benefits not just the receiver, but also the giver, by fostering goodwill and solidifying their reputation as virtuous.