a simple word whose change in meaning is interesting. It was when I realised how generous people can be that the word itself caught my attention.
Eileen
generous
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Re: generous
It once meant "of noble birth." The nobility being filthy rich and privileged, they could afford to be magnanimous, that is to say generous. At least that's my take on the idea.
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Re: generous
Mine too. I suppose it depends on how you understand wealth.
Generosity with time, knowledge, care etc. has never been exclusive to the rich. Thank goodness.
Generosity with time, knowledge, care etc. has never been exclusive to the rich. Thank goodness.
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Re: generous
it is closely related to the concept of "noblesse oblige", where generosity is a requirement of the nobility. A responsibility of privileged (rich) people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged.
EBERNTSON
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more,
and all good things will be yours.
--R. Burns
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more,
and all good things will be yours.
--R. Burns
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