A good person exhibits the characteristics of goodness. Most definitions of goodness include; virtue, kindness, generosity, and benevolence. This list could be endless, but the result would be the same. The constant factor would invariably be that recognition of goodness would be through the good works, and deeds of a good person.

I can only address the characteristics of goodness by my own moral compass. Having been raised to the concepts of being compassionate, honest, and kind to my fellow man predisposes me to see these traits as essential to good people. As a matter of conscience, any action that would make me feel guilty of doing something wrong is the antithesis of being a good person.

A list of good people from the past would include names such as Gandhi, Jesus, and a host of others. Religions have been founded upon their teachings. In recent times, people such as Sister Teresa, and Mandela have demonstrated their goodness in their life works. I, on the other hand, have only brief moments that are notable, and only to myself.

I know the difference between right, and wrong. In weakness, I occasionally make wrong decisions. This always leaves me feeling guilty of having done wrong. Occasional mistakes do not mean that I have no qualities of goodness, only that I have erred by my own personal morality. Achieving a higher level of goodness is a worthwhile ambition that I have. However, the journey lasts an entire lifetime.

As I make this journey through life, I observe, and try to contribute to the goodness around me. It is abundant, though often overlooked by many who only see the badness that is also abundant. Good people are everywhere; helping the disadvantaged, feeding the poor, healing the sick, and trying to make this a better world for all of us. Supporting their efforts would demonstrate our own characteristics of goodness.

The primary characteristic to being a good person is to have the intent to do good. Most people do have that desire, even though they might lose sight of it occasionally. Through cultivating that inclination to do good, everyone can suppress the opposite characteristic to varying degrees. If we eliminate ignorance, and reduce human suffering, the characteristic of good people will be enhanced in equal proportions, and for the overall good of humanity.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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