Nobility

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Originally uploaded by rchoephoto

The word nobility does not refer to medieval knights and courts.  It drives from the Greek gno (as in gnosis), meaning "wisdom" or "inner illumination."  In English, nobility is defined as human excellence, as that which is illustrious, admirable, lofty, and distinguished in values, conduct, and bearing.

Jack Kornfield, The Wise Heart from The Best Buddhist Writing 2009