Magnificence

The word magnificence which is commonly used to mean rich display, really means “doing great things.” In this literal meaning, magnificence is a virtue.

Magnificence not only means the perfection of other virtues, but it is a special virtue itself. For magnificence has a special aspect of goodness in view, namely, the doing of something great-in quantity, quality, value, dignity-and thus it is specified as a virtue.

In external great works, magnificence requires large expenditure of money. Aristotle (Ethic. iv 2) says thatmagnificence, unlike liberality, does not belong to all uses of money, but only to the larger transactions. In splendid external matters, magnificence regulates the outlay of money: on the one hand, it curbs the love of money which would scamp the work; on theother hand, it prevents mere garish display. Thus it worthily meets the high demands of a truly great external work.

As a virtue, magnificence is allied with fortitude. For while magnificence does not face up to danger, it does face up to difficulty. It demands the difficult surrender of large amounts ofone’s possessions; it demands a lot of money.