Noblesse Oblige: An Old Idea Needed for Modern Times
I keep wondering how everyday Americans turned against the rich. They used to really look up to them. But with the growing wealth inequality, this may be one of the big causes. I think this is a trend that has happened all over the West. Less so in Asian countries yet.
Yes, most American wealthy are actually quite charitable compared to wealthy people in other countries, but not sure how much this trickles down or how much the public is aware. It does not help that so many wealthy are showing up on social media or disconnected from their communities, unlike in previous ages. This is why it’s so important to understand Noblesse Oblige.
Chivalry Guild writes about this in their excellent newsletter https://thechivalryguild.substack.com/p/reviving-noblesse-oblige-here-and:
“To recap: noblesse oblige (French for “nobility obligates”) is the old idea that those who with power, wealth, status, and prestige ought to do good to those with less. Much like chivalry, it has a deeply Christian character, captured by the words of Baltasar Gracian: “Tis the chief glory of the high and mighty to be gracious, a prerogative of kings to conquer universal goodwill. That is the great advantage of a commanding position—to be able to do more good than others.”
The noble is a center of their community. He has responsibilities to everyone in his community, just as everyone in the community has responsibilities to him and each other. You have power because it is given to you. This power is meant to be used for the greater good. To do good things for the community. To fight and defend them if need be whether through arms or legal means.
“A culture of noblesse oblige reminds the powerful that their blessings are to be used for good and not for plunder—and it attaches prestige and honor to good conduct, shame and disgrace to bad conduct.”
He goes on to say: "The first step is to understand the twin aspects that make noblesse oblige such a powerful ideal: aspiration and generosity. This is about much more than just being nice or being a [EXPLETIVE] decent person or even just giving money away to this or that cause. It’s about 1) becoming as strong as you can be, as metaphorically noble as possible, and 2) proving your quality by helping others.
These two—strength and help—are intertwined with a mutually reinforcing effect. A man’s strength and nobility grows with the help he gives to others, and his growing strength also provides him with more to give.”
I find it personally inspiring. It’s such an important concept and I hope it makes a comeback here in the West again. Here is to making Noblesse Oblige a thing again.