What Is Goodness?

My answer:

I recognize these short paragraphs are not real answers to these questions.   Instead of a few sentences, we need to look at centuries of conversations.   The conversation on this question has been long; there have been many arguments, many wars and many deaths.  However two qualities of goodness are I think fundamental and universal.  One is the exercise of one's own strength, and the other is the celebration of others' strength.  And the essence of goodness lies in the balance between them.  It is possible to be both humble and strong; to give respect to others and listen, and still get things done.  However because of peoples' fears their strength is often gained by devaluing the worth of others as human beings.  To devalue others (eg "he is dumb") is to commit the worst of all sins, pride.

 

...Philip