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NOBLESSE OBLIGE: THE MORAL DUTY OF THE RICH

THE MORAL PRICE OF POWER AND POSITION

Ghazanfar Akram Shaikh in thinking-block · 2025-05-12 13:15 · 13 claps · 0.9 min read paywalled
#french #moral-responsibility #social-obligations #charity #french-literature
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Wiki topics: LIT · Literature & Writing 🔒 · Cybersecurity

NOBLESSE OBLIGE: THE MORAL DUTY OF THE RICH

Photo by Mike Stezycki on Unsplash

Photo by Mike Stezycki on Unsplash

A French expression from a time when French was the language of the

English nobility. It means “NOBILITY OBLIGATES.” It refers to the

unwritten obligation of people from noble ancestry to act honourably and

generously toward others.

I learned this new expression recently, which made me realise why nearly

every rich person has something in the name of charity. It’s as if it BINDS

THOSE WITH IMMENSE WEALTH AND POWER to share with those in

need. It obligates them not to overexert their power, even if only for the

sake of image.

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