What is Magnanimity? Well, this is a rough, but pretty accurate translation of how Aristotle defines Magnanimity (AKA greatness of soul) - He that claims less than he deserves is small-souled... For the great-souled man is justified in despising other people — his estimates are correct; but most proud men have no good ground for their pride... It is also characteristic of the great-souled man never to ask help from others, or only with reluctance, but to render aid willingly; and to be haughty towards men of position and fortune, but courteous towards those of moderate station... He must be open both in love and in hate, since concealment shows timidity; and care more for the truth than for what people will think; and speak and act openly, since as he despises other men he is outspoken and frank, except when speaking with ironical self-depreciation, as he does to common people... He does not bear a grudge, for it is not a mark of greatness of soul to recall things against people, especially the wrongs they have done you, but rather to overlook them... Such then being the Great-souled man, the corresponding character on the side of deficiency is the Small-souled man, and on that of excess the Vain man.
Some define Magnanimity as a culmination of King Arthur's 7 Knightly Virtues: Courage, Justice, Mercy, Generosity, Faith, Nobility, and Hope.
Can you be magnamimus and are you ready? I sure try!
|
This video on the left might look crazy, sure, but sometimes it takes that to get something done, properly. If you have no idea what I was doing here, call me and let me tell you all about it. |