Generous, adj. Originally this word meant noble by birth and was rightly applied to a great multitude of persons. It now means noble by nature and is taking a bit of a rest.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Generosity is satirized as a term once meaning noble birth, now meaning noble nature but rarely seen.
- In plain terms
- Generosity is now rare despite its old noble meaning.
- What can you take from it?
- True generosity is uncommon these days.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is generosity rare today?
- What makes a person generous?
Another view
Generosity exists more than this suggests.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Friendless, adj. Having no favors to bestow. Destitute of fortune. Addicted to utterance of truth and common sense.
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