Definitions: (1) excellence of character, morale, or virtue; (2) showing kindly feelings; benevolence; (3) unselfish; generous; beneficent; (4) deserving of respect; honorable (5) blameless; unimpeachable
Derivation: Sanskrit, “what one clings to;” Old English, “God”
Synonym: praiseworthy
Axiom: If darkness is, then darkness is good. — Mbuti
Quotes:
• Goodness alone can lead men forward beyond their humanity. — Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (480-524) Roman Senator & philosopher
• It is noble to be good and it’s nobler to teach others to be good, and less trouble. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Goodness begets goodness; but to the one who is truly good, evil also begets goodness. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese philosopher, Founder of Taoism
• There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns away from Him. — Clive Staples [c. s.] Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British novelist
Reflection: Magnificent beauty can be so compelling that you can feel the goodness therein.
Comment: If you are good to someone, they get the direct benefit of your act of kindness. But does your simple personal goodness also benefit more broadly? When you are practicing goodness to even one other, they will be more likely to live goodness as well. Therefore, your personal benevolent act spreads out. No matter how private your goodness, you are adding to the greater good.
Consideration: The results of being good are usually evident.
Advice: When in doubt, focus on the good, focus on what you know to be correct and true. Ask your heart whether or not you are doing the right thing. Truth and beauty are mutually supporting with goodness. Look to one to measure the others