What is good?

          Good is something we feel is right for us and other people similar to us. This is basically matter of personal opinion. If we think that something is good for us, it does not mean that others will think that too. In fact, what we think is good for others may be considered exactly opposite by the very people. Another thing we have to consider is the situation. Our perception about good is also determined by the influences of the surrounding. What we think “good” in a given scenario may be different under different conditions. Our judgment about right and wrong depends on our personal values as well as environmental influences. Personal values in this sense are about ethics and environmental influences are about socio-cultural influences. Hence, even though good is something “right” to do, it depends on individual perspective and context.

          It is important to consider “what is means to be good?” before moving onto the examples of goodness. Again this is also matter of personal thinking. People will always go for good if they know what is right. So, being good is all about being “right”, not for yourself, but for others. Thus, goodness is all about our acts to show that we are good people and that we do “right” things according to popular beliefs. It again comes to ethics and socio-cultural influence.

          Considering all of the above facts, examples of goodness too depend on our values and the situation. Say as a general example, helping a poor person in any way is an act of kindness which is obviously something good. However, if the person wants to find his/her way out of problems alone, would it still be good to help? Also, there are some universal cases like telling lies is regarded “bad” across the world, but what about a lie that prevents a catastrophe? Again, is it ethical? Is it socially acceptable? The iteration of our thought process goes on and on, the confusion about good and bad still remains, until we realize what is right.

©Dixit Bhatta 2014