Is it more noble to accept one's place in life or fight for something better?

Question

I can see both as noble:

The first person makes the best of his/her situation and comes to realize that "it's not so bad", and grows as a result of it.

The second person refuses to accept a life that is less than what they had envisioned. This person would never settle into a mundane job, for instance, but is always pursuing his/her passions.

So I need to know: Which is the MOST noble?

The points of self-absorption and context have been raised, particularly in relation to the second person. Remember though, his passion may be to take care of orphans and widows. So although self-absorption is implied, try not to judge him.

Answer 1

I would say the second, if he were not only fighting to better themselves, but others, too.

Answer 2

When considering the term noble, consider the definition:

no·ble(nbl)
adj. no·bler, no·blest
1. Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development.
2.
a. Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit.
b. Proceeding from or indicative of such a character; showing magnanimity: "What poor an instrument/May do a noble deed!" Shakespeare.
3. Grand and stately in appearance; majestic: "a mighty Spanish chestnut, bare now of leaves, but in summer a noble tree" Richard Jeffries.
4. Chemistry Inactive or inert.
n.
1. A member of the nobility.
2. A gold coin formerly used in England, worth half of a mark.

The term noble is a Western term, and its also a very western belief that we must be the leaders of our own destiny.

On the other hand, it is a very Eastern belief to accept ones own place in life, which is much more passive. I believe that this way of life will bring more peace and yields repetition.

The first way of life may bring more struggles are obstacles, but it may also give you a sense that life is worth living. This second idea of fighting for something better is considered more noble.

Answer 3

To be noble is to have high ideals/moral character.

So, generally speaking, the second person, pursuing his passions, and aspiring to more would be the most noble.

However, the addition of context could make the first person more noble. For instance, his ideals might include "taking care of his family" and he can't do that by chasing a dream.

So I need to know: What are your IDEALS?

Answer 4

Wow excellent question where I am at right now in my life with my Career thanks so much for this excellent question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think the second person is more NOBLE because he breaks out of his mode and does not accept his situation he makes the change takes the chance even when he can hit Detours and roadblocks and crossroads to nowhere................................he takes the chance he follows his passions and lives a life that fullfills him!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To make that change break from fear and comforts is a big thing to do most people take the safe route or crossroad the one one that climbs the mountains and gets to the top and works the hardest he is so noble in my eyes maybe one day I will be him in my career one day......................

Answer 5

Why should either be thought of as noble? Is the nature of nobility based on what an individual decides to with the direction their life is going in?

Answer 6

The life of one man is a small thing. If your pursuits in life are not larger than yourself, you will become a selfish and self absorbed person. Not exactly a noble picture.
When your passions are about things larger than yourself, you put your self behind the larger picture and become the servant of great things. This is the picture of nobility.

Answer 7

To settle is never noble - one should never view the life they live as all there is. It is far more noble to improve ones situation be it by education, experience or financial improvement - nobility can only be achieved through growth.

Answer 8

I don't think either is more noble than the other. We as people are very diverse. Some will gladly follow the first path, others the second.

Answer 9

no·ble

no·ble [nṓb’l]
adj (comparative no·bler, superlative no·blest)
1. having excellent moral character: possessing high ideals or excellent moral character
2. relating to high moral principles: based on high ideals or revealing excellent moral character
3. magnificent: impressive in quality or appearance
4. aristocratic: belonging or relating to an aristocratic social or political class
5. chemistry nonreactive: chemically inactive or inert


n (plural no·bles)
1. aristocrat: somebody who belongs to a titled aristocracy
2. money former English coin: a gold coin worth half a mark, formerly used in England


[13th century. Via French , from Latin (g)nobilis (source of English ignoble). Ultimately from an Indo-European word that is also the ancestor of English know.]


-no·ble·ness, n
-no·bly, adv

To me it would appear the first, because he is thinking of others.
The seconded one implies conceit.

Answer 10

Which is most noble?

That is a question of moral relativity. It depends on the aspect of your life at the moment.

Do you fight for change, or do you fight to prevent change?

Answer 11

Always been the Haves and the Have nots.
We have our alloted place in time and space
But i hope along my road of life that i have been
marked down to win the Lottery,then my two pounds
a week will have been well spent.