Definition

Translated from the French, noblesse oblige means "nobility obligates." Originally, noblesse oblige was used to suggest that certain requirements of behavior could be legitimately imposed upon persons of noble birth. Noblesse oblige in modern English parlance is a broad literary concept. It suggests that anyone who possesses special talents or gifts is required by society to make the best use of those gifts; that he or she is duty-bound to do his or her best. The concept has been extended to include corporations and even entire nations: a December 14, 1992 article in Time magazine about U.S. involvement in Somalia was titled, "Noblesse oblige for the sole superpower."

What does all this have to do with ebay where people "shop victoriously"?  It's about knowing who you're doing business with.  All of us are buying, selling, and/or providing for charity, in the ebay world.  What makes the difference is what each one of us choose to do and how we choose to do it. 

If you’ve read this far then you are genuinely interested in what kind of ebayer you are dealing with.   This ebayer is devoted to integrity and a guiding philosophy of treating people the way I would want to be treated.  I believe each and every one of us is obligated to make the best use of our unique skills and talents.  In doing so we give of ourselves to this world and make a difference in it, no matter how large or small and seemingly insignificant our skills and talents may seem.

I have talents that I have never shared.  I feel an obligation out of duty but first out of love to share what I’ve been given whether it be tangible or intangible, bought, sold, or given as charity.  For what other reasons are unique skills and talents given but to bless others with?  One can only find gratification in self-admiration and boasting for so long and after that it tends to make one and all those around miserable.  Sort of like a flood that could have been avoided if the dam gates had been opened.

It matters not what unique skills or talents you have, and we all have something.  The true gift is in the giving and not the gift itself.  If you choose to devote yourself to integrity and a guiding philosophy of treating others the way you would want to be treated, that in its self is a gift everyone can give and give in quantity.  Your unique skills and talents, no matter how large or small, is a great treasure within you that can change the world we live in if you choose to share it.  It is true; you make a difference in this world.  Each and every one of us make a difference and influence our world  today moment by moment, thought by thought, choice by choice, for better or for worse. 

You alone are the only one who can make your world a better (or worse) place, and in doing so you are giving to the entire world.  Ebay is a place where the unique skills and talents of people can be found and appreciated.  Ebay is a place where treasure of all kink can be found and common mankind can be transformed into the noblest of Kings and Queens if they so choose.

Noblesse Oblige