This cycle is going to stretch me outside of my comfort zone, so I look forward to the new challenge that it presents. In my opinion, the concept or idea of nobility is often corrupted, misconstrued, and misrepresented. I believe it is a very important virtue that deserves a reset and a revival in how we respectfully revere it for its real reasons. Quite simply, consider nobility as “nobleness of mind, character, or spirit; exalted moral excellence.” Unfortunately, how rarely do people born into “nobility” embody such virtue? We tend to associate it with egotistical levels of haughty, high-brow pretentiousness. There is nothing authentically or truly noble in that behavior or style of living and treating others.
A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation, and encourages perseverance.
-Gary Hamel
Sacrifice does not equate to martyrdom. I want to clearly make that distinction upfront. For example, I live a far more ascetic life now than I used to because I have given up certain indulgences that I used to partake in in the past. Some of the changes were harder than others, but I am happier and healthier than before. I am more aligned and connected with noble power and purpose as a result of my innovative perseverance. Mindful sacrifices help clear a way for me to live better without complete sacrifice.
True nobility is to exercise power as a servant to all and a master of none.
-Craig D. Lounsbrough
I think it is important to focus on nobility within the framework of being in service to the greater good. A noble person sets aside ego and acts in a way that serves others. There are certainly times to prioritize self-care as a noble act for yourself in order to avoid shifting the pendulum too far from sacrifice towards martyrdom. A noble character sets an ideal example for all to follow. How many are willing to set aside their comforts and complacencies, though, to nurture natural nobleness? We are all here for only a limited time with a limited amount of energy. How are you choosing to exercise your power? Do you take it for granted, or can you apply it wisely? Are you generating good growth?
Life ought to be a struggle of desire toward adventures whose nobility will fertilize the soul.
-Rebecca West
Are you consciously adventuring through your life? When is the last time you fed some fertilizer to your soul? Honestly, I learned so many new things last week. I heard one quote that continues to surface in various discussions as I share it more with others. I finally realize how much it epitomizes true nobility, too. When we choose to set aside our choices in order to honor what our soul is here to accomplish, we position ourselves for our best purpose possible. Quieting our mind and heart enough to let our soul speak and show us our singularly best way forward. We could deviate, but why not remain noble?
The truth is that as a person’s real power grows and their knowledge widens, ever the way they can follow grows narrower: until at last they choose nothing but do only and wholly what they must do.
-Ursula K. Le Guin
I have seen closely and frequently how many people will prickle at such a point. They claw at the concept of free will. I believe naturally noble character and virtue freely surrenders to a greater and better will than our own. Being able and willing to see our best way forward and obediently following it can be fulfilling and rewarding beyond our wildest dreams and expectations. I truly find it far more appealing than I ever imagined.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.