Difference between revisions of "Magnanimity"
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== Magananimity as a Christian virtue == | == Magananimity as a Christian virtue == | ||
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| + | ''See also:'' [[Mental toughness]] and [[Psychological resilience]] | ||
The article ''The Manly Virtue of Magnanimity'' notes: | The article ''The Manly Virtue of Magnanimity'' notes: | ||
Revision as of 02:17, May 18, 2024
Magnanimity is "the quality of displaying kind or generous treatment toward others especially when they are undeserving of it."[1] The term is often used in the context of being kind and generous towards an enemy or someone who has been defeated.[2] As a Christian virtue, maganimity is being great of both mind and heart, and of bearing adversities with equanimity and tranquility. It also includes being willing to face danger, and taking action for noble purposes.
Magananimity as a Christian virtue
See also: Mental toughness and Psychological resilience
The article The Manly Virtue of Magnanimity notes:
| “ | The title of this article calls magnanimity a “manly virtue.” By that, I don’t mean that magnanimity is unique to men or that women are not also called to this trait. After all, Witherspoon calls it a Christian virtue. But I do think magnanimity is a virtue particularly befitting to manhood, and that manhood bereft of magnanimity is especially lamentable. When the Apostle Paul enjoined the Corinthians to be strong, to stand firm in the faith, and to “act like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13), he was calling men and women to courage, but he was also embracing the notion that fortitude in the face of opposition is what we associate with manliness.
According to Witherspoon, magnanimity entails five commitments: (1) attempting great and difficult things, (2) aspiring after great and valuable possessions, (3) facing dangers with resolution, (4) struggling against difficulties with perseverance, and (5) bearing sufferings with fortitude and patience. In short, the magnanimous Christian is eager to attempt great things and willing to endure great hardships.[3] |
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The Catholic Education Resource Center's article Called to Greatness: The Virtue of Magnanimity indicates:
| “ | When faced with choices in life, do you tend to pursue what is most noble — what will form you in excellence and benefit others most? Or do you tend to shy away from things that may push you out of your comfort zone — even if they are good for you — either because you fear failure or because you tend to avoid doing what is difficult and challenging?
Striving for greatness is at the heart of a virtue called "magnanimity," which means "greatness of soul." This is the virtue by which man pursues what is great and honorable in his life, even if it is difficult. St. Thomas Aquinas describes it as a "stretching forth of the mind to great things."1 The magnanimous person seeks to do great acts, "things as are deserving of honor."2 This is not opposed to humility. The magnanimous person pursues greatness in proportion to his ability. He humbly takes stock of all the gifts that God has given him and seeks to use them as best he can. As Aquinas explains, "Magnanimity makes a man deem himself worthy of great things in consideration of the gifts he holds from God."3 While magnanimity is certainly exhibited among the famous saints who evangelized whole cultures, started new religious orders, or defended the Church against widespread heresies, it is also found in simple, small, ordinary people whose sincere desire to give the best of themselves is used by God to do extraordinary things.[4] |
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See also
Opposite:
References
- ↑ Magnanimity, Merriam Webster dictionary
- ↑ Magnanimity, Cambridge dictionary
- ↑ The Manly Virtue of Magnanimity
- ↑ Called to Greatness: The Virtue of Magnanimity, Catholic Education Resource Center
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