How does one bcome a 'good person'?
Is it actions or is it a state of mind?
2007-01-13 17:30:36 · 36 answers · asked by luisa_ru 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
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2007-01-13 17:32:56 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Hatter 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Friend, your question is quite hard to answer. It is so because the definition of goodness is relative. Take it in mind that what may be good to one person may sound bad to another, so it can be justifiable to say that everyone has his/her own views on what is good and what is bad. Looking at it from the point of religion, some religions may look at a way of becoming a good person by observing a set of laws and regulations, codified or not (this would be falling under a category called Ritualism). Others may say that a person becomes good by being one with everything, therefore not inflicting any form of harm (Monism, if I am not mistaken). Another way of saying how one is to become a good person is by doing "good" and avoiding "evil" (Ethicism, I presume).
Becoming good is probably achieved both through action and state of mind. Actions reflect the state of mind, and the state of mind dictates one's actions. However, I do not have the right to dictate on what exactly you have to think and do to become a "good" person. It is up to your own social institution's (ex. school, family, community, workplace, et cetera) set of beliefs and morals on how you will establish the mindset of what is an ideal person.
2007-01-13 18:43:54 · answer #2 · answered by tango_adamantine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In ancient Chinese philosophy, they refer to things being "Objective" that would be "actions" So if you were a good person in that sense, then your being good would benefit the world.
They also wrote about "Subjectivity" which is what we imagine, what is in our minds. More of a personal observation. So if you were a good person subjectively, then it would be more a matter of the conditions you set for yourself, if you were good or not.
I think we should keep "God" out of this discussion. That too, would be a subjective definition.
How does one become "good"?
I think you have taken the first step by asking yourself this question, and by wondering how the steps are taken.
Maybe there is no criteria, maybe being judged is not part of being "good".
You took both approaches in your question, actions by asking it, and by worrying about the answer, it reflexes your state of mind.
Sometimes knowing what question to ask, is more important than knowing the answer.
2007-01-13 18:23:05 · answer #3 · answered by Steven S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good person is one that operates in the positive scale of nature. This scale is divided by two diverse polar regions, here we see good on one side and bad on the other. What is with one is by far not with the other for instance, the things that come with good, are peace, love, joy. On the other hand, the other side of the scale, is seen anger, lust, jealousy, envy, etc.
Now how does one become good? As humans it is impossible for us to become anything other than what we already are. That is not say that we are a product, or that we are already good. It is to say that to look and live in one side of the scale instead of the other is a choice that we all have.
With choice being its place of birth, one can say that being good is a state of mind, which produces thoughts and emotions that will later produce physical actions.
2007-01-13 18:15:49 · answer #4 · answered by jerome2all 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally believe that what makes a good person is that individuals state of mind, if they have pure thoughts and wish no or few evil on people. If you are a negative person you generally recieve negative energy back, if you give out positive energy, you will generally recieve positive energy, (good things should be drawn to you) I believe that it is a combination of both actions and state of mind but before you become a good person you need a positive and pure state of mind.
2007-01-13 20:17:28 · answer #5 · answered by white_tigress7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that a good person is someone who is willing to put others before themselves most of the time. I think we all need to put our own needs first occasionally because otherwise we might go nuts!
You need both the state of mind and the actions to be a good person. You are not going to be able to do anything for anyone but yourself, it you have a bad state of mind. However, I think you can change your state of mind by starting to be kinder and nicer to people. You can start with your own family or go help people who are less fortunate. Maybe go to a hospital and visit the sick children. That would melt anyone's heart. Everyone has the power to be a good person. God Bless,
Cathy
2007-01-13 17:53:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
By being nice to yourself and to others. By being honest and sincere when you talk to others or look at yourself. To be a good person you have to treat others nice and you have to treat yourself nice. Being good is all about loving yourself which a lot of people can't do.
You become a good person by your actions. Words are easy but actions mean a lot more. They show you and other people how good you are.
A good person is someone who will tell you the truth even though it may hurt and they do it in such a way that you don't feel attacked or dumped on. A good person is that friend you have that you know you can call in the middle of the night just to talk.
2007-01-13 17:48:19 · answer #7 · answered by Serinity4u2find 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that a good person is in the actions that they do for others, such as helping the homeless, and doing other things for the fellow man in bad and good times. It could also be a state of mind if you feel that you are a good person then other people will feel this when they are around you and this will make them feel good also.
2007-01-13 17:41:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being good for one is, for me, being bad for the other! So, in my view, the only way to be a good person is if you follow you own ethics, values and views and through being attentive (listening, alot of people cannot listen)and consequent, form your opinions and plan your actions!
Your state of mind influences your actions, and your spontaneous actions influence your state of mind, so we have basically a combination of the two if one's acts and thinks consequently!
Good question!
2007-01-13 18:51:15 · answer #9 · answered by Gary H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mind your own business, help others at least when you can, are generally respectful, I would call you a good person. You don't have to be a saint to be a good person. There will be people say that trusting in Jesus as your lord and savior... to that I say "as long as there has been one single god, there has been killing in his name." I have seen bible-thumpers preach and preach about what the bible says (love thy neighbor), then turn right around to belittle someone who believes differently than they do. That is not to say that I have no respect for religion! I just wish people would LIVE their religion instead of just preaching it.
2007-01-13 17:46:36 · answer #10 · answered by CAUTION:Truth may hurt! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't actually understand what you mean by "state of mine" but a good heart without actions that back it up is not a bad heart....just an underused heart......But most "good people" show by their actions....in general I think almost everyone wants to be good, we are all just so imperfect we aren't good at being good all the time....that's why it's important to me a good person. Because you'll see this and understand, a lot of people are good.....
2007-01-13 17:36:33 · answer #11 · answered by Tomier 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋