Attributes of a Good Person

Being a good person is somewhat of an acquired quality, but also an innate characteristic. Deciding to be a good person is a complex task. It is far easier said in words than accomplished through actions. Many people possess genes that cause immoral thought processes. These specified genes interfere with their intent of goodwill. However, it is important to fight our demons in an attempt to treat others with kindness, and behave in a benevolent manner. Such benevolent mannerism is necessary both around, and behind the backs of others. In order to behave as a good person, one must consciously stay aware of their actions by questioning the way their actions affect others. The meaning of being a good person involves carrying out integrity in every setting, admitting faults, and attaining a willingness to change faulty behavior.

Many people believe that they are good natured people simply because their intentions are benevolent. Nonetheless, a person could intend to speak and act righteously, but unintentionally hurt others via their words or actions. For example, one may attempt to compliment a person by commenting upon their body weight, yet the individual receiving the compliment may react in an entirely adverse manner. Consequently, we must rationalize our words before delivering questionable statements that may offend, harm, or seriously damage our friends, family, or neighbor’s fragile human spirit.

I personally experienced a situation in which I believed that my compliments were welcomed. Years ago, I consistently complimented and commented upon the race of my Asian American cousins. Because my cousins are Korean, I often made remarks about certain traditions that they withheld out of fascination of their culture. However, this fascination led me to make unintentionally rude comments. Certainly, I am not racist in any way, but simply out of ignorance, would make several assertions about their race. Insulting them, I made Asian jokes such as “How did you get a 95% on your test? That’s an Asian F!” Although at the time my obscene humor was severely intrusive, I did not notice the harm that I was depositing into their psych. The rash comments caused my cousins to feel different in comparison to other Americans. Finally, one day, my cousin explained to me in tears that she was staggeringly ashamed of her race. She felt that others perceived her differently than they would view a person of any other racial identity. I quickly realized that my brainless, irrelevant comments significantly strengthened my cousin’s emotions. I immediately discontinued my immature comments, and never again even spoke of my Korean cousins’ racial identity. Although I intended to cause zero harm to my cousins, I quickly gained insight of my cousin’s emotions and altered my actions because I did not want misery for my cousin.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Person?

I believe that a good person has the ability to admit their flaws and adjust their actions. When my cousin cried about her shamefulness of her race, I had the option to ignore her emotions. I had the option to believe that my actions were just simply because I did not intend to hurt her. Nevertheless, I chose to banish my hurtful words in order to protect her from negative feelings. Good people possess a willingness to change evil actions. My definition of evil entails taking away goodness. For example, banishing happiness from ones life by creating misery instead would be extremely evil in my eyes. Willingness to change actions for good cause is an essential quality to possess in order to carry out the reputation of a good person.

In order to identify a good person, it is crucial to discern evil qualities. Some people naturally love, forgive, care, and resonate kindness. On the contrary, many people are innately immoral. Such repulsive personality results when a person is unable to admit their flaws. A person who does not deserve to be titled good is one who sees their flaws, but fails to adjust their behavior. The corrupt individuals who see their flaws and attempt to adjust their actions are good people in my opinion. For example, some people naturally treat others with disrespect, but attempt to alter their actions through changing their perceptions of people. This change, or attempt to change, portrays good character.

A narcissist is a suitable example of an evil person. Those who possess narcissistic characteristics think extremely high of themselves and truly believe that it is impossible for them to do wrong.

When I made racial jokes towards my cousin, my narcissistic self would continue my actions. I would believe that my crude jokes were just. I would simply believe that my cousin was overly sensitive. As a result of my insensitivity, I would lose my cousins friendship. As a narcissist, I would not ask for forgiveness, but would laugh at her insecurity. Instead of learning from her insecurity, I would continue my crude actions. As a result, I would continue to see the world from only my perspective. This one sided thinking would lead me to believe that I am superior to everyone I encounter. The more I would run away from admitting my flaws, the more narcissistic I would become. This self-absorption, overconfidence, and lack of care for others would cause me to lose friendships. The longer I delay facing my faults, the more narcissistic I would become. I would lose my sanity and die alone. Evil people are not liked by others. There is a direct correlation between cruelty and disapproval from others. A person can ignore their faults for only a limited amount of time. Those who care about people on the other hand are generally likable individuals.

Overall, my definition of a good person involves noticing faults, and adjusting behavior. Good people are not kind in public for social image, but instead firmly believe in good-will. Secondly, those who never realize or care to notice their faults will never be able to change evil actions. The definition of “good” varies among every individual. Therefore, my definition of a good person entirely contradicts many other opinions. Such contradiction of opinion healthily feeds our mindsets by giving us the chance to conform to the best people we are capable of being.

Works Cited

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