Generosity originates from a desire to relate to others as equals. This is why it is so rare in civilized societies, and why it is the most difficult virtue to fake.
I have never lived with Pygmies, but I understand that in hunter-gatherer societies, it is taken for granted that everything must be shared. Does this tell us anything about the character of these people?
There is (or was) no 'must', no obligation in 'Pygmy' and other gathering-hunting societies. A hunting-bow pretty well belonged to one guy, for example. (Men used bows, women, more co-operatively, used nets.) A possessive 'Pygmy' would be treated with amusement. It is important to note that children and child-care were shared, so paternity was not an 'issue'. When this happens there is equality of being, no hierarchy, no competition for mere status.
Widening the topic out, hospitality is one of the most important and obvious forms of generosity. It says much about our society that there is a 'hospitality industry', and people do not offer strangers (and strangers do not expect) a meal and a place to sleep, but 'bed and breakfast' (with tv, hot water etc.)at obscene prices.
4 comments:
Though I'd maintain that generosity is a vice, I'd still argue that we're less likely to even question the character of someone whose actions we like.
Other than that, there's the obvious: Indiscriminate generosity usually excludes you from groups such as the psychopaths or the bigots.
Generosity originates from a desire to relate to others as equals. This is why it is so rare in civilized societies, and why it is the most difficult virtue to fake.
I have never lived with Pygmies, but I understand that in hunter-gatherer societies, it is taken for granted that everything must be shared. Does this tell us anything about the character of these people?
There is (or was) no 'must', no obligation in 'Pygmy' and other gathering-hunting societies. A hunting-bow pretty well belonged to one guy, for example. (Men used bows, women, more co-operatively, used nets.) A possessive 'Pygmy' would be treated with amusement. It is important to note that children and child-care were shared, so paternity was not an 'issue'. When this happens there is equality of being, no hierarchy, no competition for mere status.
Widening the topic out, hospitality is one of the most important and obvious forms of generosity. It says much about our society that there is a 'hospitality industry', and people do not offer strangers (and strangers do not expect) a meal and a place to sleep, but 'bed and breakfast' (with tv, hot water etc.)at obscene prices.
Precise observation, insightful discussion, interesting information--well done to all. Am I being generous? Unfortunately, not at all.
Post a Comment