Virtue vs Nobility
January 26, 2012 11:48 AM Subscribe
Virtue vs Nobility
What is the difference between the two?
Which is more important?
Could you give an example, what works the most.
T Y for the time.
This post was deleted for the following reason: As written, there's not nearly enough information to generate meaningful answers to this. Maybe flash it out a little and try it again next week? You can hit us up at the contact form if you have any questions. -- restless_nomad
"Works" for what? I don't consider either all that important in the classic, somewhat religiously-overtoned sense of the word.
posted by brainmouse at 11:56 AM on January 26, 2012
posted by brainmouse at 11:56 AM on January 26, 2012
Best answer: Most generally, "virtue" means a character trait that's positive. The Wikipedia article on Virtue is pretty good. There are a lot of different positive character traits that are called "virtues" in different traditions. (Some cultures regard stoicism as a virtue, some regard open expression of feelings as a virtue, and so on.)
That article has a lot of good links to notions that different cultures have used over time to express whatever they think is the most important virtue. It might be useful to just read through a few and see what seems close to the idea you have in mind, then you will have a more narrow starting point.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:10 PM on January 26, 2012
That article has a lot of good links to notions that different cultures have used over time to express whatever they think is the most important virtue. It might be useful to just read through a few and see what seems close to the idea you have in mind, then you will have a more narrow starting point.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:10 PM on January 26, 2012
Best answer: To possess nobility you must be virtuous, which is following the set standard of "right" or "good." I put right and good in quote marks because they're up for debate. One of the more popular things you might have heard about, there are seven virtues in opposition to the seven deadly sins. Seven virtues & seven deadly sins
So a person can be noble as a general thing, the virtues are more specific.
Your question doesn't make much sense beyond that so I'll just list the definitions.
Definition of VIRTUE
1 a : conformity to a standard of right : morality b : a particular moral excellence
2 plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
3: a beneficial quality or power of a thing
4: manly strength or courage : valor
5: a commendable quality or trait : merit
Definition of NOBILITY
1: the quality or state of being noble in character, quality, or rank
2: the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 12:14 PM on January 26, 2012
So a person can be noble as a general thing, the virtues are more specific.
Your question doesn't make much sense beyond that so I'll just list the definitions.
Definition of VIRTUE
1 a : conformity to a standard of right : morality b : a particular moral excellence
2 plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
3: a beneficial quality or power of a thing
4: manly strength or courage : valor
5: a commendable quality or trait : merit
Definition of NOBILITY
1: the quality or state of being noble in character, quality, or rank
2: the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 12:14 PM on January 26, 2012
Best answer: virtue
1 behavior showing high moral standards : paragons of virtue.
• a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person : patience is a virtue.
• a good or useful quality of a thing : Mike was extolling the virtues of the car | there's no virtue in suffering in silence.
nobility
1 the quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank.
2 (usu. the nobility) the group of people belonging to the noble class in a country, esp. those with a hereditary or honorary title : a member of the English nobility.
noble
1 belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocratic : the Duchess of Kent and other noble ladies.
2 having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals : the promotion of human rights was a noble aspiration.
• of imposing or magnificent size or appearance : entering the building with its noble arches and massive granite columns.
• of excellent or superior quality.
I think in the US, at least, you'll find that people will use virtuous to describe someone more so than noble. These two words, virtue and nobility, CAN have very different meaning depending on the context (situation), but they can also have fairly similar meanings, as you can see from their definitions. Hope this helps you!
posted by two lights above the sea at 12:15 PM on January 26, 2012
1 behavior showing high moral standards : paragons of virtue.
• a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person : patience is a virtue.
• a good or useful quality of a thing : Mike was extolling the virtues of the car | there's no virtue in suffering in silence.
nobility
1 the quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank.
2 (usu. the nobility) the group of people belonging to the noble class in a country, esp. those with a hereditary or honorary title : a member of the English nobility.
noble
1 belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocratic : the Duchess of Kent and other noble ladies.
2 having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals : the promotion of human rights was a noble aspiration.
• of imposing or magnificent size or appearance : entering the building with its noble arches and massive granite columns.
• of excellent or superior quality.
I think in the US, at least, you'll find that people will use virtuous to describe someone more so than noble. These two words, virtue and nobility, CAN have very different meaning depending on the context (situation), but they can also have fairly similar meanings, as you can see from their definitions. Hope this helps you!
posted by two lights above the sea at 12:15 PM on January 26, 2012
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posted by facetious at 11:54 AM on January 26, 2012 [1 favorite]