Book 4 / Chapter 1
Paragraph 7 - The Nature of Prodigality and Meanness
Explanation - Part By Part
"The prodigal man, then, turns into what we have described if he is left untutored, but if he is treated with care he will arrive at the intermediate and right state."
Aristotle is saying that a prodigal person—someone who wastes their resources by overspending or giving recklessly—will likely continue down this destructive path if left unchecked or without proper guidance. However, if such a person is taught and guided thoughtfully, they have the potential to grow and balance their behavior. They can then reach an "intermediate and right state," which means finding a healthier, more virtuous approach to managing their resources—neither being wasteful nor excessively stingy. This "intermediate state" aligns with Aristotle's broader ethical focus on achieving balance and moderation in human behavior.
"But meanness is both incurable (for old age and every disability is thought to make men mean) and more innate in men than prodigality; for most men are fonder of getting money than of giving."
Aristotle is saying that meanness—which in this context refers to stinginess or an excessive focus on hoarding wealth—is a deeper, more ingrained flaw in human nature than being wastefully extravagant (prodigality). He explains that most people are naturally more inclined to prioritize getting or keeping money rather than giving it away generously. He also suggests that meanness is hard to fix or "incurable" because it tends to grow stronger as people age or face difficulties, such as physical limitations, which make them more cautious or self-centered with their resources. In essence, Aristotle sees stinginess as a more persistent and widespread issue among people than extravagance.
"It also extends widely, and is multiform, since there seem to be many kinds of meanness."
In this part, Aristotle points out that "meanness" (what we might understand as extreme stinginess or greed) manifests in various forms or "kinds." By saying that it is "multiform," he emphasizes that meanness doesn't show up in just one way—it can take many shapes depending on the person or situation. This idea highlights how being overly focused on hoarding wealth or avoiding generosity can express itself in different behaviors, making it a widespread and complex problem in human nature.