It consists in a disposition of the sensitive appetite, which strengthens the soul in its effort to fulfil what is arduous as regards the expenses demanded by the undertaking of great works (CXXXIV. 1, 2).
Does this virtue presuppose great riches and great opportunities of dispensing them for the public welfare?
Yes, this virtue presupposes great riches and the opportunity to dispense them, especially as regards the worship of God or the public welfare of a city or state (CXXXIV. 3).
Is it then a virtue belonging, properly speaking, to the rich and the great?
Yes.
What are the sins opposed to this virtue?
The sin of stinginess, which makes man begrudge and be unwilling to give even what is necessary for the undertaking of some work; and the sin of extravagance, which inclines one to expend unreasonably over and above what is necessary for some work undertaken (CXXXV. I, 2).
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - XLV. OF PATIENCE -- OF LONGANIMITY AND OF CONSTANCY
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