Noblesse Oblige

Oxford defines "noblesse oblige" as

the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged.

It has often been used to justify the massive wealth inequality throughout history. I won't get into that topic too much as that can fill up an entire article itself.

I want to focus on this idea, that if you are wealthy or blessed you have not only the ability but an obligation to help other people.

Not only is this is a very Christian idea and one that I think is very important, but I think it's a very noble thought that can go way deeper than the original meaning.

The original meaning focuses almost entirely on monetary wealth and social class, but I believe it also applies to ability. I will give some examples to help illustrate my point.

1. If you are a warrior and a physical force to be reckoned with, you have an obligation to protect those who can't protect themselves. If a woman and child are being attacked, as a dangerous capable man you have an obligation to step in and protect them. For if something were to happen to them and you did nothing, even though you could, what kind of man are you?

   "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing" - Thomas Jefferson

2. If you believe you are capable of doing something great and achieving financial freedom for your family to make sure that no one you love ever has to worry about money again, you have an obligation to do so because if not you, then who. To take the easy way out and get a high paying job, avoid stress, relax and not push yourself to your limits is a waste of your potential and a miserable self-centered existence.

3. If you are capable of being a great leader, inspiring others to be better and live a more magnificent life that will cause a ripple effect you have an obligation to do that very thing.

You were gifted with the vision and the ability, why would you waste it for security and comfort. I get it, it's tempting especially when it gets hard in life or no matter how much good you do it never goes appreciated. But hold your head high because you purpose is bigger and the person who you will become along the way will outweigh all of it.

"Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson

Live Boldly, Live Selflessly, and enjoy it.