The magnificent man is like an artist; for he can see what is fitting and spend large sums tastefully.
The magnificent man spends not on himself but on public objects.
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
To examine with Aristotle the various virtues is an eye-opening tour through the wonders of what it is to be human. For him the virtues are nothing but the ways of really living well, of living rationally with excellence.
The virtue of magnificence is surprising. It is a habit of spending large sums of money well for the good of others. Particularly interesting is that it is possible only for the wealthy. This does not mean that there is no virtue concerning wealth for the non-rich. On the contrary, all should cultivate liberality—the virtue that generously tends to the needs of others once one’s own needs are satisfied. Such liberality is possible even for the poor.
But the very wealthy have a unique obligation, and the virtue called magnificence is the fulfillment of it. Especially noteworthy is how the magnificent man sees his wealth as a calling. Having much wealth demands that first he look immediately to the good of others—since clearly he has more than he needs for his own life, and second that he see himself as a promoter of what is truly beautiful. Like an artist.
To “spend large sums tastefully”—what a demanding task this is! Aristotle sees the magnificent man as pursuing this goal on all fronts, in everything from making his own house a sort of ‘public’ ornament for the good of others, to undertaking civic projects and endowing fitting places of worship.
Not all can exercise this virtue. For those who can do it, such magnificence is a masterpiece. Indeed Aristotle says the virtue itself is a thing of beauty to be contemplated. Yet all can have a spirit of magnificence, in a day to day ‘liberality,’ wherein using what wealth we have we craft what is beautiful in our own home and community while also giving generously to others from our limited resources.
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), student of Plato, tutor of Alexander the Great, has been considered by many to be the greatest ancient philosopher. The Nicomachean Ethics is his major ethical work.
Image: public square in Prague, Czech Republic. Beautiful public spaces, often consisting in civic, religious, commercial, and private buildings, can be one fruit of the magnificence of a few good and far-sighted people.
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
As a long time professional fundraiser, this post has special significance. A fundraiser gets the opportunity to help to cultivate the virtues of liberality and magnificence in others. The important thing for the professional fundraiser is to ensure that the projects being supported are truly good. Feeding the hungry is good. Building beautiful churches and colleges is good. Supporting missionaries is good. But not all causes are equally good, and sadly not all churches are beautiful. Sound discernment is necessary for the fundraiser, because it is possible for us to cultivate vice if we support the wrong projects.
Nathan, Thanks for these helpful insights! All the best in your noble efforts.
AND looking on, he saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites. And he said: Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God: but she of her want, hath cast in all the living that she had.
Amen.
Excuse me, but isn’t the word describing such extreme generosity “munificence”?
I believe “magnificence” is used inaccurately in your article.
Otherwise, it’s a very good essay.
Linda, Thanks for your comment. You are correct that the word ‘magnificence’ is not normally used in this way in English. At the same time, it is the main term that has been used through the years to translate the Greek term Aristotle is using. Munificence is also sometimes used. I like to go with the term ‘magnificence’ for two reasons: one, etymologically it refers to doing great deeds(which is very fitting for what this virtue is), and second, using a word in a non-familiar usage can prompt us to look more carefully at just what is being referred to here. Thanks again, and sorry for any confusion.
To be fair, I think there is a distinction. A munificent patron might front the money for a movie version of “Married with Children”. A magnificent patron would NEVER do that.
Howard, I appreciate your point very much. I don’t feel that I have a strong grasp on exactly what is or is not meant by munificent. This is part of the reason for me it makes sense to go with the translators who use the word ‘magnificent,’ since that way the term can be carefully defined according to what Aristotle means.