Noblesse oblige
<p>Dec 6, 2008 3:54 PM
 
the moral obligation of those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., to act with honor, kindliness, generosity, etc.
 
Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.
 
<i>Noblesse oblige</i>" is generally used to imply that with wealth, <a class="mw-redirect" href="/wiki/Power_(sociology)" title="Power (sociology)">power</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="/wiki/Prestige" title="Prestige">prestige</a> come <a class="mw-redirect" href="/wiki/Responsibilities" title="Responsibilities">responsibilities</a>. The phrase is sometimes used derisively, in the sense of condescending or hypocritical social responsibility. In American English especially, the term has also been applied more broadly to those who are capable of simple acts to help another, usually one who is less fortunate.
In ethical discussion, it is sometimes used to summarize a moral economy wherein privilege must be balanced by duty towards those who lack such privilege or who cannot perform such duty. Finally, it has been used recently primarily to refer to public responsibilities of the rich, famous and powerful, notably to provide good examples of behaviour or to exceed minimal standards of decency.
 
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