Single Idea 108

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 4. External Goods / c. Wealth]

Full Idea

The liberal man will need money to perform liberal acts.

Gist of Idea

The virtue of generosity requires money

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1178a28)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.332


A Reaction

The sort of thing Margaret Thatcher used to say, with a passive aggressive tone. The virtue also needs someone to be short of money. The paradox of virtue - that bad situations are needed, to give them opportunities.