Venality

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Venality is a vice associated with being for sale, especially when one should act justly instead. This is mostly considered a vice rather than a virtue.

In its most recognizable form, dishonesty, venality causes people to lie and steal for their personal advantage, and is related to bribery and nepotism, among other vices.

Venality in its mild form is a vice notable especially among those with government or military careers. In these fields, one is supposed to act with justice and honor, and should not accept bribes. This insures that the organization isn't susceptible to self-interested parties. For people to accept settlements and legislation, the acts of the government must be seen as just. This perception enhances the legitimacy of the government. Venality is a term often used with reference to pre-revolutionary France, where it describes the then-widespread practice of selling administrative positions within the government to the highest bidder.

In contrast, no one would be surprised to find a merchant or hired person making professional decisions for venal reasons. In fact, Adam Smith and other libertarian economists might argue that venality is a virtue, because it helps create the invisible hand that controls market forces. Nonetheless, this may be why many militaristic societies frequently despise merchants.