Generosity-kindness is Higher Than Generosity
by It is true that some of the values which were virtues to them are questionable today but still the master’s thought compels the readers to admire him immensely.
Generosity-Kindness is Higher than Generosity
Aristotle’s Ethics provides a very deep insight in to human virtues through the perspectives which were very much relevant to the contemporary society. It is true that some of the values which were virtues to them are questionable today but still the master’s thought compels the readers to admire him immensely.
In his book, Aristotle’s Ethics, the third virtue that Aristotle discusses is ‘generosity’ and he very clearly brings us home its meaning. According to the master, generosity is a mean between wastefulness and stinginess, with regard to material and property. He informs that a generous man will give to the right person, the right amounts and at the right time. According to Aristotle, a generous man takes very good care of all his possessions. He further argues that generosity is a habit of the giver and it does not depend on the quantity of the giving. He gives something to someone because he has it and he is able to give it.
I would like to discuss one more virtue ‘kindnesses’ in addition to the already discussed ‘generosity’.
Kindness and generosity are often used as synonyms and the difference remains unnoticed. Kindness is the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane, mostly sympathetic. Generosity is the trait of being willing to give money, property, time, or any other possession that you already have.
To me kindness is spiritual and generosity is economic. I would rather be a kind man than a generous one because generosity is the virtue which can be developed if you are in possession of material and things but kindness speaks from heart to heart.
Without any disrespect to the great master, I would rewrite the list of virtues and replace ‘generosity’ with ‘kindness’. A poor man can be kind but he can’t be generous if he has nothing to give away. A generous king can be cruel but a kind beggar will always be kind. To me kindness is a higher virtue than generosity.
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