Generosity

Generosity, which might best be described as a disposition to give freely or overflowing goodwill, is a traditional virtue.  The term ‘generosity’ is derived from the Latin word generositas, which means ‘noble-mindedness,’ and is associated with the Greek notion of magnanimity, or ‘greatness of soul.’

In various religious traditions – both Western and non-Western, generosity plays a key, if not central role.  In Buddhist thought, for example, the concept of dāna, which is commonly translated as generosity or giving, is among the most basic and important virtues.

Confucius, perhaps the greatest non-Western philosopher, held that generosity was one of five great virtues, the having of which constituted perfect virtue.

In Christianity, too, generosity is viewed as an important virtue.  St. Paul writes that human generosity “gives proof of our gratitude towards God” (2 Corinthians, 9:11).

Generosity finds its way into the modern corporate world in a number of ways, sometimes in connection with corporate social responsibility, various corporate-sponsored community projects and foundations, as well as the personal generosity of countless members of the financial sector.