What truly defines nobility?

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Many admire the 'nobility' of the West through images in movies or books depicting a royal life, residing in grand castles, driving Rolls Royces, indulging in Caviar, or having personal servants...

However, the concept of 'nobility' for Westerners, exemplified by the UK, must be linked to a series of values such as honor, responsibility, courage, and the self-discipline of each individual. In other words, a person embodies these values through training, and then, they will naturally exude nobility.

Let's begin with a simple example: Eton College in the UK - a boarding school known as the 'nursery for gentlemen of England,' where graduates include names we all know, such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prime Minister David Cameron, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prince William, Prince Harry, and the famous actor Eddie Redmayne (for those who watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, you'd recognize this main character right away).

Sitting as the cradle for 20 prime ministers, numerous scientists, scholars, artists, and the aforementioned celebrities, this institution surprisingly has a non-aristocratic regime, contrary to common belief: students sleep on firm beds, have ordinary meals, and of course, undergo strict daily training. The comfort of students in this institution is even considered worse than at civilian schools. Some argue that it is precisely because of this that students from regular schools find it hard to understand the importance of such a disciplined and challenging life for the noble spirit that Eton imparts to its students. In other words, Eton students 'endure' rather than 'suffer.'

The example of Eton College vividly illustrates the true essence of nobility that has persisted in the West for centuries. It is not a luxurious, extravagant life of heirs, heiresses, kings, and queens; instead, nobility is clearly defined by virtues of honor, responsibility, and discipline that an individual upholds for themselves.

Wealth and nobility are entirely different realms.

Not just Eton, but all the renowned 'noble' institutions worldwide train their students under a strict and rigorous regime, aiming to cultivate a sense of cooperation and disciplined self-awareness. True nobility requires self-control, a strong mental fortitude in the face of adversity. All of these virtues must be instilled from an early age.

Thanks to this approach, Eton College has produced exceptional individuals, such as the famed military strategist Wellington, who defeated Napoleon. Regarded as the most celebrated figure in world military history, during a decisive battle with Napoleon, the general staff repeatedly advised him to withdraw early from the front line due to the potential danger to a general of his stature. However, he stayed on the front lines to fight. At that moment, his subordinates asked him why a person of high rank wouldn't retreat for safety. He looked towards the enemy, coldly stating: 'Tell them my last words, stand here like me!'

Wellington epitomizes the quintessential noble character.

The contemporary perception of aristocratic life often entails living in castle-like mansions, driving Rolls Royces, playing Golf, having personal servants, and displaying five-fingered gestures... However, referencing the Western 'origins' of nobility, one might easily recognize that it's not the true essence of nobility but rather a somewhat antiquated notion of the newly wealthy.

In reality, in the consciousness of many in the East, especially in countries with a prolonged feudal history, the concepts of wealth and nobility are considered synonymous. Nevertheless, wealth is material, while nobility leans towards spiritual values.

The Western definition of nobility is an individual who is autonomous, forsaking personal desires, wholeheartedly dedicating themselves in service to the nation. This is how Prince William and Harry articulate the nobility they embody.

At a young age, the British royalty sent them to military academies for education. After graduation, Prince Harry was deployed to the front lines in Afghanistan as a machine gunner. Clearly, the British royalty was well aware of Prince Harry's high status and the dangers of the front lines, yet they recognized that the duty of nobility is to give one's all and accept risks for the country, as it is their obligation, and that is taken for granted. This is how the British royalty has maintained their position throughout the tumultuous history and particularly in this modern era.

Another tale in England, a widely circulated photograph. At that time, King Edward of England visited a slum area in London. He stood in front of a dilapidated house and said to the elderly destitute woman inside, 'May I come in?' It reflects a kind of respect for the disadvantaged, and true nobility knows how to respect others. Of course, the story may be somewhat idealized overall, but small gestures like asking permission to enter someone else's home are noble.

Another aspect of aristocratic qualities is a sense of responsibility. An example of this is the Western maritime principle of 'women and children first' during a ship's perilous situation. The captain is expected to be the last to abandon ship, and there are instances, as seen in movies like Titanic, where the captain chooses to go down with the ship. It represents a noble spirit of responsibility, and such actions are emblematic of nobility.

As the ship began to sink, you likely recall the chaotic scene on the ship's deck. The orchestra conductor noticed members of the band starting to leave. At that moment, he returned to his original position, adjusted his attire, stood solemnly with his violin, and began playing a new piece. The departing artists returned upon hearing the music and joined in playing. After the composition, people joined hands and wished each other peace. The conductor said, 'Thank you, tonight working with all of you has been a pride in my life.' This continues to be an expression of 'nobility,' where true nobility is evidently not defined by wealth.

Many agree that a true noble is someone who values money lightly, possesses honor, sincerity, lacks personal gain, remains unyielding, impartial, and may even sacrifice themselves for others. Furthermore, not just honor and responsibility, but a noble inherently possesses a conscience. According to French political scientist Tocqueville, 'the essence of nobility is honor.'

Clearly, the noble spirit has nothing to do with material possessions. Thanks to this, the 'nobility' is not far-fetched, and anyone can exude nobility without the need for a Rolls Royce or a castle.

If you look up the word 'noble' in an English dictionary, you'll find the adjective: 'belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocratic,' and 'having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals.' So, noble in English doesn't necessarily involve wealth!

In other words, each of us can possess a 'noble spirit,' as long as one is an ordinary person working diligently, persevering with a selfless lifestyle, proud of oneself... and then, life's external aspects don't define nobility, but the noble qualities developed encompass everything from spirit to aesthetics, taste in choices, and more. In reality, true nobility cannot be bought with money.

From many movies and novels, people are sometimes dazzled by extravagant palaces, splendor, and appearances, forgetting other aspects of becoming noble. It's naive to solely value material possessions, thinking it makes one 'noble,' which can easily turn individuals into victims of superficiality, triviality, or even mere practicality.

In essence, the 'formula' for nobility involves cultural education to resist the temptations of materialism, not making indulgence the purpose of life, continually nurturing high moral sentiments. Secondly, it's responsibility towards others, strict with oneself yet forgiving towards others (which is quite challenging 😁), valuing honor... Thirdly, maintaining a pure and carefree soul, possessing independent will, pursuing truth, staying vigilant against the allure of money and power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Western culture define the concept of 'nobility'?

Western culture defines 'nobility' through values such as honor, responsibility, courage, and self-discipline, emphasizing that these traits are cultivated through training rather than associated solely with wealth or luxury.

What role does Eton College play in shaping the character of its students?

Eton College is known for cultivating a sense of discipline and cooperation among its students, producing influential figures like prime ministers and military leaders, while emphasizing that true nobility comes from character and self-control.

What is the significance of the saying 'women and children first' in Western nobility?

The phrase 'women and children first' reflects a sense of responsibility inherent in nobility, demonstrating that a noble person prioritizes the safety of others, even at their own expense, especially in crisis situations.

How does true nobility differ from the modern perception of aristocracy?

True nobility is characterized by virtues like honor and responsibility, unlike the modern perception that often associates it with wealth and luxury, showing that moral principles define nobility more than material possessions.

What qualities are essential for someone to embody a noble spirit?

To embody a noble spirit, one must possess qualities like selflessness, a strong moral compass, responsibility towards others, and the ability to resist material temptations while upholding high ideals in daily life.

How can individuals cultivate nobility without wealth or luxury?

Individuals can cultivate nobility through cultural education, maintaining high moral standards, valuing honor, and practicing responsibility towards others, demonstrating that nobility is achievable through personal character rather than material wealth.

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