LARGESSE

When looking at the various lists of The X Knightly Virtues (X usually being some number between
seven and twelve) Largesse is frequently listed, or is listed as Charity. The two concepts while
similar, differ slightly, and both are virtues. I believe that Charity applies as a virtue to all, while
Largesse is more the realm of the Nobility. Charity is generosity to those in need, and a highly
admirable virtue indeed. Largesse is sharing with others (usually of similar rank) within the
prudent bounds of one's resources. When looked at in these terms, Charity may well be the superior
virtue. However, in period, Knights may well not have been expected to practice Charity, but
Largesse was expected, rooted in the Biblical concept of Hospitality, a virtue which also appears in
place of Largesse on many lists. Call it what you will, but practice it by whatever name you call
it.

Largesse is positively not rooted in monetary considerations. For many of us, we best display
Largesse by sharing our time with others, teaching what we know, inviting others to our homes to
allow them to use our tools to make armor or clothing or soap or what have you. We go to events and
teach Arts and Sciences classes. We take hours and hours of our time volunteering to cook a meal
for our local group's annual Harvest Feast. When we are in public or communicating in private we
behave in accordance with the Virtues, being role-models for how members of the nobility (which we
are all presumed to be) act towards each other. In short, we share of ourselves, our skills, our
knowledge, our resources, to make our Society a better place, better dressed, better armed, better
fed, better taught.

As a real world example, consider this. A candidate was being discussed in the circle in which I
sit. This candidate was looked upon favorably, but the one knock against him was that his level of
participation was a bit low, and he moved frequently due to being in the US Military. A speach
regarding this candidate was given, pointing out that he attended every event and practice he could,
within the restrictions placed upon him by his mundane occupation, and that this was a fine example
of Largesse, in that he shared with us his company, his skills, and his knowledge to the full extent of
his resources. Today I am proud to call this man my brother Knight.

created 12/29/2004