Magnanimity

The magnanimity of Alexander towards the captive Porus.

Magnanimity (from Latin magnanimitās, from magna "big" + animus "soul, spirit") is the virtue of being great of mind and heart. It encompasses, usually, a refusal to be petty, a willingness to face danger, and actions for noble purposes. Its antithesis is pusillanimity (Latin: pusillanimitās). Although the word magnanimity has a traditional connection to Aristotelian philosophy, it also has its own tradition in English which now causes some confusion.[1]

  1. ^ See for example Aristotle (1926). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Rackham, H. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. IV.3 (p. 213, footnote b). In the Sachs translation it is remarked that two possible translations "pride" and "high mindedness" both only get half of the meaning, while magnanimity only "shifts the problem into Latin": Aristotle (2002). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Sachs, Joe. Focus Publishing. footnote 85.

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