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Noblesse Oblige

Definition

Noblesse Oblige refers to the moral obligation of those who are privileged or in positions of power to act with generosity and responsibility towards those who are less fortunate.

Analogy

Imagine you're the captain of a sports team. As the captain, you have a responsibility to take care of your teammates and make sure everyone is treated fairly. Similarly, noblesse oblige is like being the captain of society, where those in power have a duty to help and support those who are less fortunate.

Related terms

Social Responsibility: The idea that individuals and organizations have an obligation to act for the benefit of society as a whole.

Wealth Redistribution: The process of transferring wealth from the rich to the poor in order to reduce economic inequality.

Philanthropy: The practice of donating money, resources, or time for charitable purposes, often by wealthy individuals or organizations.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.