[29]
And in each case we must adopt a term from qualities closely
connected, always in the more favorable sense; for instance, the choleric and
passionate man may be spoken of as frank and open, the arrogant as magnificent
and dignified;
those in excess
as possessing the corresponding virtue,1 the fool-hardy as courageous, the
recklessly extravagant as liberal. For most people will think so, and at the
same time a fallacious argument may be drawn from the motive; for if a man risks
his life when there is no necessity, much more will he be thought likely to do
so when it is honorable; and if he is lavish to all comers, the more so will he
be to his friends; for the height of virtue is to do good to all.
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1 Those whose qualities are extreme may be described as possessing the virtues of which these are the excess.
Aristotle in 23 Volumes, Vol. 22, translated by J. H. Freese. Aristotle. Cambridge and London. Harvard University Press; William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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