Are you a good person? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Gilda · 09-21-2006, 09:01 PM

This is not about imposing a standard on others. If you want to discuss that, please do so in one of the threads already going on that subject.

This is about how you view yourself.

Do you think of yourself as a good person?
If so, please, don't hesitate to toot your own horn. You've been invited, so it isn't vanity to brag about how great you are

.
If not, what makes you think this, and what, if anything, are you doing to improve?

-----

I don't think of myself as a good person. I've done more things to harm myself and to harm others than I have brought good into the world. In one case, a failing of personal strength and moral character so great it has caused irreparable harm to others, to such a degree that no matter what I am to do in the future, I can never fully atone. One of those is someone very close to me. I have her forgiveness, but that does not undo the harm that I caused.

Further, my youth was spent in self-destructive behavior aimed at punishing myself for never being good enough instead of having the courage to try to improve myself and atone for what I'd done.

My actions thus far in my life have resulted in more harm to others than good, but such a large margin that it is likely that no matter how much good I manage to do it the time remaining to me, I fear I'll never be able to tip the balance the other way. The sum will always come out in the red. Further, I see myself continually failing at improving myself because I tend to give in to irrational fears.

What am I doing about this? Unfortunately, much of what I do still remains as an attempt at self-improvement, at moving myself forward, which is ultimately selfish. It doesn't harm others, but it certainly is not making up for the harm I've caused others.

Though I'm far from being able to balance things to be a good person, I think I can at least not cause further harm and try to atone for some of what I've done. I try to do good things. I'm polite. I try to be considerate of the needs of others. I respect individual differences and try to encourage those within my admittedly small range of influence to better themselves. I avoid unnecessary criticism or doing things that would hurt, either through intent or inadventantly. I try to give people more than one chance. We all make mistakes. I try to be compassionate, to see how things might be for someone else, and I try to withhold judgment before I have all the facts. Most of all I try to be tolerant and respectful of others when what they do and how they do it does not harm other people unnecessarily.

I try to make life better, more pleasant, for those I'm around. I may not always succeed, but I do think the effor counts for something.

Gilda

savvypup · 09-22-2006, 04:42 AM

De ja vu - I was only asking myself this very question this morning.

Ok, my definition of a 'good person'. And this is over and above common courtesies of being polite and considerate to others blah blah blah. They're a given, right! - or should be.

1. I shouldn't deliberately set out to hurt any person that is important to me.
Although this is not always apparent at first, when it does become so, I should make heartfelt actions to attain forgiveness.

I was going to add a few more points, but I figure since I've failed the first point, I can answer the question here.

No - I don't think I'm a good person. I believe I use to be and I'm working on becoming one again.

I'm going back to surrounding myself with kind, considerate and importantly accepting and open people and distancing myself from those who aren't.

aberkok · 09-22-2006, 04:49 AM

I think I'm a good person. Quite often I make mistakes, but on the whole it's very important to me to do what is right - what I ought to. Unlike those who have abandoned the search for what is right in this subjective world, I keep trying and I think as I get older I am getting closer and closer to discovering what the things are that make an action good.

One of the key aspects of the way I try to live my life is the idea of putting my goals outside of myself and in the service of others ("becoming part of something bigger"). For example, I try to do the housekeeping at home because it's the best way for me to help my wife, who in turn is teaching children who could go on to do good. Musically, apart from teaching my own students, I try and share the great pleasure of improvised music with my band members and audience. So it's not just for my own pleasure that I'm doing this thing. I try and keep a good attitude and remember the things I'm grateful for...my talent, my great friends, my health. I know how easy it is to get negative about things all over the world, so I fight that actively with every breath.

I look for areas where I could improve and try and take care of them.

But I don't hold others to this standard. Sure...if someone's doing the opposite of all these things I mentioned above, then I probably won't want to have a coffee with them, but then I have to remember where I come from and the oppurtunities I've been given. They may not have started on the same footing. I want to know about those people, not dis them.

Bill O'Rights · 09-22-2006, 04:55 AM

Wow...

How do measure something like that? I dunno. With ever changing values and mores, there is no benchmark.

I see, from your text, that you have tried to apply a measurment of balance. The level of positive vs the level of negative that you bring to the world. I suppose I can see that. The problem with that is that it is subjective. Consider. Mrs. O'Rights would (I hope) characterize me as an overall "good" person. My first wife, on the other hand, would, I am quite certain, equate me with the illegitamate spawn of Satan himself.
So...it's all relative.

As for myself...I do the best that I can. I stumble some along the way, but I pick myself up, dust myself off, and carry on. I don't intentianaly set out to do any harm, if that carries any weight.

Meditrina · 09-22-2006, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

*snip* How do measure something like that? I dunno. *snip*

Same question came to my mind. I cannot honestly say that I am a "good" person. I am charitable, but not as much as some other people. I try to see the good in everyone, but myself. I do not purposely hurt someone, but I am sure it has happened. Yelling at my daughter comes to mind. I am sure I have said some things that have hurt her, but not on purpose. I do not handle frustration very well. This is a quality I see in myself, but have yet learned how to deal with it. This is what makes me feel that I am not a good person.

On the other hand, I would not say I am a bad person either.

I don't know. This is very hard to answer. I will have to think about it some more.

Cynthetiq · 09-22-2006, 05:49 AM

Like a moving target... I cannot ever hit being a good person.

People label me as a good person.

Me? I label myself as a person trying to do good.

Atoning for wrongs I've done?I used to be fascinated by the idea of it, but I'm learning now I don't have to atone for them, I have to amend my behavior to no longer include those behaviors that cause havoc and harm on others.

ratbastid · 09-22-2006, 06:21 AM

I'm a good person.

How can I say that? Because like anything subjective, I get to say. I don't really need evidence to be able to say that. I mean, if I look, I can find some. I can also look and find evidence that I'm not a good person. But the past isn't what makes a person good or bad. What makes a person good or bad is what they're creating in the future. If I start from "I am a good person," then the future I'm creating is an outcome of that.

pig · 09-22-2006, 06:32 AM

yeah, i'd have to say that i think i'm basically a good person. i try to help others, i try to treat others with kindness. no really, i do, depsite the fact that i'm a huge smartass. for me, the important thing, similar to aberkok, is that i try to do the "the right thing;" it took me a long time to realize that a lot of people really don't care.

i see no point in carrying around the amount of guilt that some seem to, in order to "balance the scales." how am i to know what role i played in someone's life? sometimes, when you're just being a regular old person interacting with other regular old persons, despite everyone trying to be good - the intereraction goes sour. maybe its the best thing that ever happened to them / you - maybe not. if you learn from your life / your observations of others, i think that's the best you can do. after that, its just dead weight that holds you back from improving yourself and the world around you. i just don't see the point in worrying about it too much.

Sage · 09-22-2006, 06:34 AM

I'm going to go even broader out on a limb here, and say there's no such thing as "bad" and "good." You do what you do when you do it. The decisions you've made in your life have already been made, there's no sense beating yourself up over them. If you hadn't lived your life exactly the same way then you would not be you, you'd be someone else. Ratbastid says it nicely in his previous post- I will expand on that to say that one should be concerned with molding the future instead of trying to change the past.

Hell yes, I'm the most awesome person on earth

My husband says so every day, and since he doesn't ever lie to me it must be true!

Seriously tho, as far as "by other people's standards" I would say I'm a good person. Sure, I get mad at people sometimes but I control that anger and realize that I am the one getting mad, which means there's issues that I need to deal with. I have compassion and empathy for people. I expect people to excel in their lives instead of wanting to give them a free ride. I want the most out of life and go off trying to get just that. I have no tolerance for bullshit from anyone, which thus reduces the overall bullshit meter for the world's population. I love my family and friends. I would say that, in general, people I meet think I'm a good person (except for the downstairs neighbor, and I have no idea what grudge she's holding against me).

Impetuous1 · 09-22-2006, 06:36 AM

I think I'm a good person overall. Yes, I've said some things I wish I hadn't. If I ran across those people I said them to, I would definitely apologize. However, overall I haven't really done anything terrible. Except once. When I was a kid I killed a frog by stepping on it. I'm not really sure why I did it. It didn't die right away so I had to put it out of it's misery. That's my worst act. It still sickens me to this day.

I didn't have a very good childhood and was forced to grow up very early. I saw people do things that were terrible to both me and other people. I learned from this. I learned to examine myself for flaws and try to fix them. I have a lot of anger and had to learn to control that. I got into a few fights when I was a kid. Starting when I was in preschool. I learned to distance myself from those I would like to hurt most. Unfortunately for a long time, that meant just about everyone.

The next things I've done is to develop a moral code for myself. I vowed to myself to try to think of the consequences of my actions. Not only to myself but to all those around me. All, meaning even people I don't really care about. I try not to talk about other people in a bad light, though I do fail that sometimes. At this time I'm also working on my way of thinking and trying to see good in people instead of my initial distrust. Though I don't think that I'll ever not see the dark side in people. I know other people think I'm a good person. I've heard it said about me. Other people have also thought I was arrogant for some reason or righteous. Someone even named their kid after me.

Anyways, so far my moral code has worked for me. I know because I'm ususally happy. I don't think I've really ever had anyone tell me they hated me. Except my brother when we were kids. But that's probably to be expected.

Toaster126 · 09-22-2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilda

Unfortunately, much of what I do still remains as an attempt at self-improvement, at moving myself forward, which is ultimately selfish.

Everything a human being does, assuming they are sane, is selfish if you break it down far enough.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sage

I'm going to go even broader out on a limb here, and say there's no such thing as "bad" and "good."

Terms like bad and good are subjective, so I would say there definitely is such a thing... it's just different depending on who you talk to. There certainly are some situations or actions where a general consensus could be formed on whether something is good or bad.

And to answer the OP, I am a good person. I try to be a positive influence on everything around me, and while I'm not always sucessful, trying is all anyone can do.

roachboy · 09-22-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

As for myself...I do the best that I can. I stumble some along the way, but I pick myself up, dust myself off, and carry on. I don't intentianaly set out to do any harm, if that carries any weight.

mr. o'rights said what i would have said for myself almost exactly as i was thinking of saying it....past that, i fundamentally do not know what the notion of "being a good person" means.
everyone likes to imagine themselves as such--and everyone is capable of doing harm to others, given the proper combination of circumstances--so it seems to me that no-one is purely anything.

it even seems that imagining yourself too good a person can be problematic in that it can cause you to underestimate the power of situations in shaping not only your actions but how you see them.

trying to see yourself and take account of your actions seems to me a process that is often very difficult to do---ascribing a state to yourself (being a good person) doesnt seem to help much.

but like i said, maybe i just do not understand what it means.

Siege · 09-22-2006, 05:03 PM

I don't see myself as a good person. I'd say i've done far more harm in my life than good.

Gilda · 09-22-2006, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toaster126

Everything a human being does, assuming they are sane, is selfish if you break it down far enough.

I disagree, but even if this is true, I'm not sure how it applies to a conception of oneself as a good or bad, which is something that is at a much higher level. If you break it down far enough, the English language is composed of between 32 and 44 sounds made of 26 letters. This doesn't tell us if a poem is good or bad, which requires qualitative judgments.

As for carrying guilt, I don't see that as a bad thing. Guilt is how my emotions tell me I've done wrong, how I know that an action is something that hurt someone and shouldn't be repeated. Keeping track of past wrongs likewise seems like a way of ensuring that in the future I don't hurt others. Without this, I could easily do things without regard for others, because once they were done, I could just decide I was a good person and from now on would do good. It's ok that I stiffed that waitress, because that's five minutes in the past and I've decided that I'm now a good person and will move on from here. It's ok that I humiliated a student in class yesterday because I'm a good person and don't plan to do so in the future. It's ok that I said something cruel and hurtful to my sister because that was ten seconds ago and I don't plan to do that again. I'm going to be a good person from now on, and not beat myself up with guilt over things that are in the past.

On the other hand, if I start with a realistic picture of the effect I've had on others, if I recognize that on balance that I've done far more to harm myself and others than I have to make things better, it provides a motivator to do good in the future. If I were to start thinking of myself as a good person, it would be far too easy for me to excuse past wrongs, and by extension, future ones, and excusing those future wrongs would make it easier to commit them. If I fail to acknowledge and attempt to atone for my past wrongs, there is no reason to think I wouldn't repeat them.

Note, I'm not applying this reasoning to anybody but myself. Also, because I failed to note this in my OP, today being the start of Rosh Hashana was what got me to thinking about atonement. I'm obviously not Jewish or celebrating, given that I'm posting right now, but my maternal Grandfather was, and I like to honor him by using this time each year to look at my past and try to find some way to make up for all the wrong I've done.

Sometimes I see myself fine, sometimes I need a witness
And I like the whole truth
But there are nights I only need forgiveness
Sometimes they say I don't know who you are
But let me walk with you some
And I say I am alone, that's all
You can't save me from all the wrong I've done.
But they're waiting just the same
With their flashlights and their semaphores
And I'll act like I have faith and like that faith never ends
But I really just have friends

~Dar Williams

Gilda

Willravel · 09-22-2006, 06:53 PM

I live according to the rules I have layed out for myself.

ngdawg · 09-22-2006, 07:12 PM

I don't think of myself as a 'good person' per se and if some that think they know me knew even half the things I've done, they'd hold the door to hell open for me.

That being said, I don't disrespect, trounce, go out of my way to cause hurt to others or steal. Well, ok...I did steal once....
I'm way too honest most times, self-deprecating and have a nasty habit of beating dead horses. I'm trying to change all three.

I don't want to thought of as a good person as much as a fair one.

Toaster126 · 09-23-2006, 11:30 AM

[QUOTE=Gilda]I disagree, but even if this is true, I'm not sure how it applies to a conception of oneself as a good or bad, which is something that is at a much higher level. [quote]

I thought you were assigning a bad label to being selfish, as you had previously posted this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilda

Unfortunately, much of what I do still remains as an attempt at self-improvement, at moving myself forward, which is ultimately selfish.

I took from that statement you thought being selfish was bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilda

As for carrying guilt, I don't see that as a bad thing. Guilt is how my emotions tell me I've done wrong, how I know that an action is something that hurt someone and shouldn't be repeated.

While I agree that guilt is useful in a civilized society, I do think emotions can be negative. I based whether they are positive or negative on whether it is pleasant to have them or not. Thus, I think happiness, for example, is good, while guilt is bad. This doesn't mean guilt is not useful. It simply is unpleasant, and more likely to be self-destructive than happiness. As such, I don't do things in a manner that would leave me feeling guilty afterwards whenever possible.

That would be an interesting thread idea, actually...

Zeraph · 09-23-2006, 02:39 PM

We can all twist the meaning of good or bad to make it fit anyone or anything. But I think the point of this thread is how you think of yourself, and there will undoubtedly be a good or bad feeling.

I do not normally brag, so do not take this the wrong way, but I agree with the OP in that I think we should be able to do an inventory of ourselves without being ashamed of our prosperity or achievements.

I think of myself as a good person, if the average person were like me I honestly think the world would be a better place. By no means a perfect place, but better. By luck and wisdom I've made very few mistakes, never really hurt anyone (emotionally or physically), never been addicted or even tried drugs (which can be a personal choice, just not for me), never failed a class, never stolen, etc.

I value intelligence, and think myself so, in addition to having traditional and non traditional evidence to back up that claim (for myself, I don't hold other people to my own standards anymore).

I value empathy which I have plenty of, so much so that I hurt more than I wish.

I value strength, both physical (in this case speed, dexterity, flexibility, strength, constitution, in other words ability) and mental. I know how to defend myself and others if need be, I am very fast, flexible, and can (so far) ignore pain when needed). Mentally I've held up very well for my circumstances.

I could go on, but suffice to say I value open mindedness, wisdom, and many other things you could say in different ways. I know I have bad traits, I am not oblvious to my shortcomings, but all in all I would say I'm making progress and that the good outweighs the bad.

Jimellow · 09-23-2006, 04:25 PM

I consider myself to be a very good person, the best I've met. That sounds ridiculous, but I'm a very humble person, while also being very observent and realistic.

I help others whenever they are in need, and I go even further in helping animals I encouter that are in need. I talk to people, and truly listen. I smile, make eye contact, and give my time to anyone that needs it.

I have an open mind, and ask questions instead of stating my opinion initially in debates/discussions. I'd rather learn something than pointlessly argue.

At work, I'm in a managerial type position, but I've been told by a few people that they don't see me being able to advance up the management ladder, due to me being too nice; and I agree entirely. I do good work, get along well with those I manage over, while still getting them to perform their job well. I am not an asshole, and refuse to change myself just to fit into a higher level management role, which unfortunately seems to be a bit of a requirement.

I am a smartass in situations that involve humor and close friends, and I consider myself to have a great sense of humor. I consider sense of humor to be one of the most important non-physical qualities in people, and I am thankful I have a good one.

I hold doors for everyone, even if they are 15 feet away; to the point where it becomes awkward for both of us. I let people turn across traffic at changing lights, and never exdperience road rage. I'm a very controlled person, very chill.

I don't give hitchhikers rides, and rarely, if ever, trust anyone.

I don't kill animals, hurt other people, or degrade others in an attempt at boosting my own status.

I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. This may or may not tie into me being a good person. It ties into me being a healthy one, but I would consider not smoking or drinking to add to my overall goodness; but not necessarily be required in someone else's definition.

I have the utmost respect for relationships as well as the opposite sex. I hate to see females touted around like trophy horses, and I take serious issue with guys that seek out relationships for the sole purpose of breaking them up. I've experienced both, and found the experiences unfortunate.

I am ridiculously humble. The things said in this thread would never be said in person, because I am not a "ra ra" type person at all. I know I am a good person, and my actions coupled with this realization make it unnecessary for me to shout it. I also am very hard on myself. I have high standards and in reality don't consider myself to be that exceptional. In discussions with friends, we've determined I am likely too hard on myself and am exceptional, but in my head I play this off as the other party telling me what I want to hear.

I wake up every day and make decisions that will benefit me, while allowing me to enjoy life as much as possible, while still getting what I need to do, done. I am not cocky, generally lack confidence, but am realistic and know that I'm a good person, because I work at it, and get pleasure from it.

I am an amazingly positive person. I don't get depressed, and rarely experience stress. I make the absolute best of any situation, and as a result, some think I lack emotion. If my friend breaks up with a girlfriend, it's her loss. If my cat dies, she is no longer suffering. If I total my car, I still have my life. It's a mindset I work at, and enjoy. I love being positive, and I love, and enjoy, life. And as tacky as it sounds, I do, almost every single day.

I am single, and have very high standards in a partner. I've discussed this as well with friends, and we've concluded that my standards are not ridiculosuly high, but instead the standards of society so low. I'm not asking much in what I desire, but I'm also not finding it; thus I consider my standards to be high. That being said, I truly do enjoy life, and if my partner is not going to enhance that enjoyment, I don't see the point in wasting time, hers or mine.

I listen to Billy Joel.

Cynthetiq · 09-23-2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeraph

We can all twist the meaning of good or bad to make it fit anyone or anything. But I think the point of this thread is how you think of yourself, and there will undoubtedly be a good or bad feeling.

I do not normally brag, so do not take this the wrong way, but I agree with the OP in that I think we should be able to do an inventory of ourselves without being ashamed of our prosperity or achievements.

One of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is the 4th Step, which reads Step 4: "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." One lists all the things about themselves, both good and bad.

shesus · 09-23-2006, 08:00 PM

I think like everyone else here that there are good and bad things about me. If I were a completely good person, then there would be no room for improvement and life would become boring or I'd be in nirvana and completely at peace. That is my goal, to be at peace, but it's a long journey and I'm not ready for it to be over quite yet.

I've done a lot of good things in my life. I've helped people who were in need. Everyone knows that our place is always opened. People stranded come to stay with us, even at short notice and people traveling always have a place to sleep. If I have money, I don't hesitate to help people out. My friends know that I'm always there to listen and support them in any choice even if I don't agree with it personally.

I've done a lot of bad things too. I've never killed anyone even though some accuse me of being a factor in a person's death. But to err is human. I believe that even though I've done bad things, I'm a good person because I learn from my mistakes and make an effort to change what I've done and not let it happen in the future. I rarely make the same mistake twice and when I make a mistake I try to remedy it. I believe in karma and don't want it ot bite me in the ass.

I think that everyone should think of themselves as a good person. You have to take the good with the bad and accept that no one is perfect. If you can't accept yourself, then do something to change it. Life is a journey to become the person you want to be. There will be rough spots, but that's what makes it interesting and gives people stories to share.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilda

What am I doing about this? Unfortunately, much of what I do still remains as an attempt at self-improvement, at moving myself forward, which is ultimately selfish. It doesn't harm others, but it certainly is not making up for the harm I've caused others.

I don't agree with this. It is not selfish when one makes themself a better person. In fact, self-improvement not only helps the person who is improving, but also benefits other's around.

Gilda · 09-23-2006, 08:03 PM

Toaster126: Selfishness isn't inherently bad, though in practice it very often is because it can place an emphasis on personal advancement over the welfare of others. What I meant there was that by focusing on selfish desires, I wasn't doing anything to atone for the harm I've done to others. The harm I've done to myself does not require repair or atonement, as I was the actor in those instances, so being selfish does nothing to balance past wrongs.

Again, please note that I apply this standard only to myself.

Gilda

Dissociated · 09-24-2006, 02:38 AM

I've made many mistakes and screwed a fair few people over before. Thankfully I've changed and now I do always make an effort to be good to people even if i don't like them. I'm usually pretty generous with my friends now too. By no means am I a saint, but my heart is in the right place and I want the best for everyone so yes, I do consider myself a good person.

Sugarmouse · 09-24-2006, 06:39 AM

I used to thnk I was a very,particularly good person. I was incredibly happy with myself, and it took me a long time to get that way..I have made several changes to myself throughout life to become someoen I wanted to be.It was an amazing feeling realising that i was now someone i wantd to be.
I have just had a particularly bad time recently.I feel as if someone saw me having too much of a good time and put all the bits of my life in a jar and shook them all up to mix them as much as possible..things are jsut not how i thought and I am no longer what I want to be.in fact I have become the kind of person I hate...I guess I would have to ask someoen who knows me if I am a good person.lol

Kensei · 10-03-2006, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilda

This is not about imposing a standard on others. If you want to discuss that, please do so in one of the threads already going on that subject.

This is about how you view yourself.

Do you think of yourself as a good person?
If so, please, don't hesitate to toot your own horn. You've been invited, so it isn't vanity to brag about how great you are

.
If not, what makes you think this, and what, if anything, are you doing to improve?

-----

I don't think of myself as a good person. I've done more things to harm myself and to harm others than I have brought good into the world. In one case, a failing of personal strength and moral character so great it has caused irreparable harm to others, to such a degree that no matter what I am to do in the future, I can never fully atone. One of those is someone very close to me. I have her forgiveness, but that does not undo the harm that I caused.

Further, my youth was spent in self-destructive behavior aimed at punishing myself for never being good enough instead of having the courage to try to improve myself and atone for what I'd done.

My actions thus far in my life have resulted in more harm to others than good, but such a large margin that it is likely that no matter how much good I manage to do it the time remaining to me, I fear I'll never be able to tip the balance the other way. The sum will always come out in the red. Further, I see myself continually failing at improving myself because I tend to give in to irrational fears.

What am I doing about this? Unfortunately, much of what I do still remains as an attempt at self-improvement, at moving myself forward, which is ultimately selfish. It doesn't harm others, but it certainly is not making up for the harm I've caused others.

Though I'm far from being able to balance things to be a good person, I think I can at least not cause further harm and try to atone for some of what I've done. I try to do good things. I'm polite. I try to be considerate of the needs of others. I respect individual differences and try to encourage those within my admittedly small range of influence to better themselves. I avoid unnecessary criticism or doing things that would hurt, either through intent or inadventantly. I try to give people more than one chance. We all make mistakes. I try to be compassionate, to see how things might be for someone else, and I try to withhold judgment before I have all the facts. Most of all I try to be tolerant and respectful of others when what they do and how they do it does not harm other people unnecessarily.

I try to make life better, more pleasant, for those I'm around. I may not always succeed, but I do think the effor counts for something.

Gilda

Do I think I am a good person, not really. I don't think I am a bad person either per say, I am just a person. I don't really look at myself as good or bad.

I mean, I do not go out of my way to hurt other people, but I can if need be, and have often enough.

I try to treat others as I would like to be treated, but I am not always successful.

I do enjoy helping others, but I do not do it very often to be honest.

Am I a good person, I suppose that would depend on who you ask, some would say yes, others would say no.

I suppose I am whatever you think I am, and whatever I think I am. And, since I don't really know, I could not really say. Likely I am not, which I am indeed working on.

It's easy to know other people, I know them quite well, and I do not have a hard trime discerning their nature's. That sounds quite novel, even impressive, it's just wisdome. A rare enough commodity I suppose, but we have mre if it then we think if we would just trust our feeings more.

However knowing oneself is far more impressive. I know myself pretty well, but not as well as I know some other people, which is hard to say, yet it is truth.

So, am I good or bad, I think I fall somewhere in-between, kinda like sweden, except when there is a fight I will actually pick a side. Hope that helps, but I doubt it. Take care.

Lasereth · 10-29-2006, 05:41 PM

Cynthetiq's signature sums up the entire question quite nicely. "I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Independent, either you're an asshole or you're not."

It's easy to tell if someone is a good person or not. It can be answered on a basic level with one simple question: are you an asshole? Asshole as in someone who causes negative emotion and/or negative feedback for the sake of entertainment or personal gain. I have friends who make fun of others publicly because they think it's funny. They're not good people. I know people I work with that think harming animals is cool and badass. They're not good people. I know people who go completely apeshit when any amount or type of rendered service in any situation that involves money is less than 150% perfect...those people are not good people.

Being a good person is as simple as thinking to yourself, "Is what I'm about to say or do going to affect anyone around me or any stakeholders in the matter negatively?" If so, then don't do it. I'm an INTJ personality type with an extremely heavy judging percentage, so I do believe in people getting punished for hurtful actions towards others. In general, however, strangers or friends or people you even find annoying deserve 100% respect in all situations regardless of all other variables (sans the subject having led me to believe that they do not deserve respect). If you do not believe this, you are not a good person. You're either an asshole or you're not.

This isn't an attempt to derail the thread, so I will relate it to myself: I'm a good person. I try to help others to my best ability. I'm an extremely good service employee that understands all situations going on from the customer's perspective. I look at all arguments and controversies with an open-mind, sometimes leading to friends or relatives seeing me in a completely different manner than they're used to. I don't believe in letting stress get to you and taking out your frustrations on other people and I don't believe in yelling and/or being harsh on others. I let people who drive like shit cut me off without getting annoyed. I let people who most believe to be ignorant or uncouth be ignorant or uncouth because in many cases it's not their mindset that causes it, but their upbringing. I could go on and on but I'll stop here.

waltert · 10-29-2006, 11:12 PM

+1 to the good person list...well, crap now that I think about it...im probably about average. I do withhold information to protect the feelings of my SO....if it wasnt for that, I'd probably be pretty high on the good person list

skier · 10-30-2006, 01:12 AM

I have a strong set of moral values and firm boundaries for those judgements. I try to be as open minded as possible about issues i am unsure with, and sharp enough to defend my principles when they are attacked; I enjoy looking at different perspectives on an issue in order to better understand my position on the subject.

Does this make me a good person?

I don't know. By society's measure I fill most of their requirements, though i am sometimes grumpy and snappish or break some laws intentionally (being aware of the risks). To myself I am neither good nor evil, because my actions are centered around my moral beliefs and values which define my life. The only way I can judge myself in that way is to hold them against my culture's moral framework, which are my actions to others in my community.
(Are you a good person if you hurt yourself but no others?)

In a sense though, I feel like a "good" person when I attain my goals without sacrificing my morals. Any time I bend my rules or compromise my beliefs in some way I feel embrassed and shameful- hypocrisy is being a "bad" person to me.

So yeah, I guess i feel as though i'm a good person. Other people think of me as a good person as well, but for completely different reasons.

Seer666 · 10-31-2006, 04:48 AM

I am a good person. That does not, however, mean I have to be a nice one.

Prince · 10-31-2006, 06:35 AM

I'm a pretty good person. I am pretty considerate, friendly and all that. I have low tolerance for stupidity though, and am too quick to judge others.

Warlock! · 11-01-2006, 07:55 AM

I'm not too bad. I am courteous to people I don't know, I try not to dick over people I DO know, and I do all I can for my family. I help out almost anyone that asks for a hand, but I don't go out of my way to do charity work. I love booze and porn, yet I still consider myself a Christian (you figger that one out). I like to laugh and party, and I hate being in a bad mood (and can be moody... ask my wife).

I'd say I'm a 6 or 7 out of 10.

09-21-2006, 09:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gilda 32 flavors and then some Location: Out on a wire.	Are you a good person? This is not about imposing a standard on others. If you want to discuss that, please do so in one of the threads already going on that subject. This is about how you view yourself. Do you think of yourself as a good person? If so, please, don't hesitate to toot your own horn. You've been invited, so it isn't vanity to brag about how great you are . If not, what makes you think this, and what, if anything, are you doing to improve? ----- I don't think of myself as a good person. I've done more things to harm myself and to harm others than I have brought good into the world. In one case, a failing of personal strength and moral character so great it has caused irreparable harm to others, to such a degree that no matter what I am to do in the future, I can never fully atone. One of those is someone very close to me. I have her forgiveness, but that does not undo the harm that I caused. Further, my youth was spent in self-destructive behavior aimed at punishing myself for never being good enough instead of having the courage to try to improve myself and atone for what I'd done. My actions thus far in my life have resulted in more harm to others than good, but such a large margin that it is likely that no matter how much good I manage to do it the time remaining to me, I fear I'll never be able to tip the balance the other way. The sum will always come out in the red. Further, I see myself continually failing at improving myself because I tend to give in to irrational fears. What am I doing about this? Unfortunately, much of what I do still remains as an attempt at self-improvement, at moving myself forward, which is ultimately selfish. It doesn't harm others, but it certainly is not making up for the harm I've caused others. Though I'm far from being able to balance things to be a good person, I think I can at least not cause further harm and try to atone for some of what I've done. I try to do good things. I'm polite. I try to be considerate of the needs of others. I respect individual differences and try to encourage those within my admittedly small range of influence to better themselves. I avoid unnecessary criticism or doing things that would hurt, either through intent or inadventantly. I try to give people more than one chance. We all make mistakes. I try to be compassionate, to see how things might be for someone else, and I try to withhold judgment before I have all the facts. Most of all I try to be tolerant and respectful of others when what they do and how they do it does not harm other people unnecessarily. I try to make life better, more pleasant, for those I'm around. I may not always succeed, but I do think the effor counts for something. Gilda __________________ I'm against ending blackness. I believe that everyone has a right to be black, it's a choice, and I support that. ~Steven Colbert

09-22-2006, 04:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
savvypup Crazy Location: Want to run away? Follow the light	De ja vu - I was only asking myself this very question this morning. Ok, my definition of a 'good person'. And this is over and above common courtesies of being polite and considerate to others blah blah blah. They're a given, right! - or should be. 1. I shouldn't deliberately set out to hurt any person that is important to me. Although this is not always apparent at first, when it does become so, I should make heartfelt actions to attain forgiveness. I was going to add a few more points, but I figure since I've failed the first point, I can answer the question here. No - I don't think I'm a good person. I believe I use to be and I'm working on becoming one again. I'm going back to surrounding myself with kind, considerate and importantly accepting and open people and distancing myself from those who aren't. __________________ ciao bella!

09-22-2006, 04:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
aberkok “Wrong is right.” Location: toronto	I think I'm a good person. Quite often I make mistakes, but on the whole it's very important to me to do what is right - what I ought to. Unlike those who have abandoned the search for what is right in this subjective world, I keep trying and I think as I get older I am getting closer and closer to discovering what the things are that make an action good. One of the key aspects of the way I try to live my life is the idea of putting my goals outside of myself and in the service of others ("becoming part of something bigger"). For example, I try to do the housekeeping at home because it's the best way for me to help my wife, who in turn is teaching children who could go on to do good. Musically, apart from teaching my own students, I try and share the great pleasure of improvised music with my band members and audience. So it's not just for my own pleasure that I'm doing this thing. I try and keep a good attitude and remember the things I'm grateful for...my talent, my great friends, my health. I know how easy it is to get negative about things all over the world, so I fight that actively with every breath. I look for areas where I could improve and try and take care of them. But I don't hold others to this standard. Sure...if someone's doing the opposite of all these things I mentioned above, then I probably won't want to have a coffee with them, but then I have to remember where I come from and the oppurtunities I've been given. They may not have started on the same footing. I want to know about those people, not dis them. __________________ !check out my new blog! http://arkanamusic.wordpress.com Warden Gentiles: "It? Perfectly innocent. But I can see how, if our roles were reversed, I might have you beaten with a pillowcase full of batteries."

09-22-2006, 04:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	Wow... How do measure something like that? I dunno. With ever changing values and mores, there is no benchmark. I see, from your text, that you have tried to apply a measurment of balance. The level of positive vs the level of negative that you bring to the world. I suppose I can see that. The problem with that is that it is subjective. Consider. Mrs. O'Rights would (I hope) characterize me as an overall "good" person. My first wife, on the other hand, would, I am quite certain, equate me with the illegitamate spawn of Satan himself. So...it's all relative. As for myself...I do the best that I can. I stumble some along the way, but I pick myself up, dust myself off, and carry on. I don't intentianaly set out to do any harm, if that carries any weight. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

09-22-2006, 05:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Like a moving target... I cannot ever hit being a good person. People label me as a good person. Me? I label myself as a person trying to do good. Atoning for wrongs I've done?I used to be fascinated by the idea of it, but I'm learning now I don't have to atone for them, I have to amend my behavior to no longer include those behaviors that cause havoc and harm on others. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

09-22-2006, 06:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	I'm a good person. How can I say that? Because like anything subjective, I get to say. I don't really need evidence to be able to say that. I mean, if I look, I can find some. I can also look and find evidence that I'm not a good person. But the past isn't what makes a person good or bad. What makes a person good or bad is what they're creating in the future. If I start from "I am a good person," then the future I'm creating is an outcome of that.

09-22-2006, 06:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
pig pigglet pigglet Location: Locash	yeah, i'd have to say that i think i'm basically a good person. i try to help others, i try to treat others with kindness. no really, i do, depsite the fact that i'm a huge smartass. for me, the important thing, similar to aberkok, is that i try to do the "the right thing;" it took me a long time to realize that a lot of people really don't care. i see no point in carrying around the amount of guilt that some seem to, in order to "balance the scales." how am i to know what role i played in someone's life? sometimes, when you're just being a regular old person interacting with other regular old persons, despite everyone trying to be good - the intereraction goes sour. maybe its the best thing that ever happened to them / you - maybe not. if you learn from your life / your observations of others, i think that's the best you can do. after that, its just dead weight that holds you back from improving yourself and the world around you. i just don't see the point in worrying about it too much. __________________ You don't love me, you just love my piggy style

09-22-2006, 06:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sage hoarding all the big girl panties since 2005 Location: North side	I'm going to go even broader out on a limb here, and say there's no such thing as "bad" and "good." You do what you do when you do it. The decisions you've made in your life have already been made, there's no sense beating yourself up over them. If you hadn't lived your life exactly the same way then you would not be you, you'd be someone else. Ratbastid says it nicely in his previous post- I will expand on that to say that one should be concerned with molding the future instead of trying to change the past. Hell yes, I'm the most awesome person on earth My husband says so every day, and since he doesn't ever lie to me it must be true! Seriously tho, as far as "by other people's standards" I would say I'm a good person. Sure, I get mad at people sometimes but I control that anger and realize that I am the one getting mad, which means there's issues that I need to deal with. I have compassion and empathy for people. I expect people to excel in their lives instead of wanting to give them a free ride. I want the most out of life and go off trying to get just that. I have no tolerance for bullshit from anyone, which thus reduces the overall bullshit meter for the world's population. I love my family and friends. I would say that, in general, people I meet think I'm a good person (except for the downstairs neighbor, and I have no idea what grudge she's holding against me). __________________ Sage knows our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's She answers hard acrostics, has a pretty taste for paradox She quotes in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus In conics she can floor peculiarities parabolous -C'hi

09-22-2006, 06:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
Impetuous1 Insane Location: Arizona	I think I'm a good person overall. Yes, I've said some things I wish I hadn't. If I ran across those people I said them to, I would definitely apologize. However, overall I haven't really done anything terrible. Except once. When I was a kid I killed a frog by stepping on it. I'm not really sure why I did it. It didn't die right away so I had to put it out of it's misery. That's my worst act. It still sickens me to this day. I didn't have a very good childhood and was forced to grow up very early. I saw people do things that were terrible to both me and other people. I learned from this. I learned to examine myself for flaws and try to fix them. I have a lot of anger and had to learn to control that. I got into a few fights when I was a kid. Starting when I was in preschool. I learned to distance myself from those I would like to hurt most. Unfortunately for a long time, that meant just about everyone. The next things I've done is to develop a moral code for myself. I vowed to myself to try to think of the consequences of my actions. Not only to myself but to all those around me. All, meaning even people I don't really care about. I try not to talk about other people in a bad light, though I do fail that sometimes. At this time I'm also working on my way of thinking and trying to see good in people instead of my initial distrust. Though I don't think that I'll ever not see the dark side in people. I know other people think I'm a good person. I've heard it said about me. Other people have also thought I was arrogant for some reason or righteous. Someone even named their kid after me. Anyways, so far my moral code has worked for me. I know because I'm ususally happy. I don't think I've really ever had anyone tell me they hated me. Except my brother when we were kids. But that's probably to be expected.

09-22-2006, 05:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
Siege is a tiger Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada	I don't see myself as a good person. I'd say i've done far more harm in my life than good. __________________ "Your name's Geek? Do you know the origin of the term? A geek is someone who bites the heads off chickens at a circus. I would never let you suck my dick with a name like Geek" --Kevin Smith This part just makes my posts easier to find

09-22-2006, 06:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I live according to the rules I have layed out for myself.

09-22-2006, 07:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	I don't think of myself as a 'good person' per se and if some that think they know me knew even half the things I've done, they'd hold the door to hell open for me. That being said, I don't disrespect, trounce, go out of my way to cause hurt to others or steal. Well, ok...I did steal once.... I'm way too honest most times, self-deprecating and have a nasty habit of beating dead horses. I'm trying to change all three. I don't want to thought of as a good person as much as a fair one. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

09-23-2006, 02:39 PM	#18 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	We can all twist the meaning of good or bad to make it fit anyone or anything. But I think the point of this thread is how you think of yourself, and there will undoubtedly be a good or bad feeling. I do not normally brag, so do not take this the wrong way, but I agree with the OP in that I think we should be able to do an inventory of ourselves without being ashamed of our prosperity or achievements. I think of myself as a good person, if the average person were like me I honestly think the world would be a better place. By no means a perfect place, but better. By luck and wisdom I've made very few mistakes, never really hurt anyone (emotionally or physically), never been addicted or even tried drugs (which can be a personal choice, just not for me), never failed a class, never stolen, etc. I value intelligence, and think myself so, in addition to having traditional and non traditional evidence to back up that claim (for myself, I don't hold other people to my own standards anymore). I value empathy which I have plenty of, so much so that I hurt more than I wish. I value strength, both physical (in this case speed, dexterity, flexibility, strength, constitution, in other words ability) and mental. I know how to defend myself and others if need be, I am very fast, flexible, and can (so far) ignore pain when needed). Mentally I've held up very well for my circumstances. I could go on, but suffice to say I value open mindedness, wisdom, and many other things you could say in different ways. I know I have bad traits, I am not oblvious to my shortcomings, but all in all I would say I'm making progress and that the good outweighs the bad.

09-23-2006, 04:25 PM	#19 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	I consider myself to be a very good person, the best I've met. That sounds ridiculous, but I'm a very humble person, while also being very observent and realistic. I help others whenever they are in need, and I go even further in helping animals I encouter that are in need. I talk to people, and truly listen. I smile, make eye contact, and give my time to anyone that needs it. I have an open mind, and ask questions instead of stating my opinion initially in debates/discussions. I'd rather learn something than pointlessly argue. At work, I'm in a managerial type position, but I've been told by a few people that they don't see me being able to advance up the management ladder, due to me being too nice; and I agree entirely. I do good work, get along well with those I manage over, while still getting them to perform their job well. I am not an asshole, and refuse to change myself just to fit into a higher level management role, which unfortunately seems to be a bit of a requirement. I am a smartass in situations that involve humor and close friends, and I consider myself to have a great sense of humor. I consider sense of humor to be one of the most important non-physical qualities in people, and I am thankful I have a good one. I hold doors for everyone, even if they are 15 feet away; to the point where it becomes awkward for both of us. I let people turn across traffic at changing lights, and never exdperience road rage. I'm a very controlled person, very chill. I don't give hitchhikers rides, and rarely, if ever, trust anyone. I don't kill animals, hurt other people, or degrade others in an attempt at boosting my own status. I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. This may or may not tie into me being a good person. It ties into me being a healthy one, but I would consider not smoking or drinking to add to my overall goodness; but not necessarily be required in someone else's definition. I have the utmost respect for relationships as well as the opposite sex. I hate to see females touted around like trophy horses, and I take serious issue with guys that seek out relationships for the sole purpose of breaking them up. I've experienced both, and found the experiences unfortunate. I am ridiculously humble. The things said in this thread would never be said in person, because I am not a "ra ra" type person at all. I know I am a good person, and my actions coupled with this realization make it unnecessary for me to shout it. I also am very hard on myself. I have high standards and in reality don't consider myself to be that exceptional. In discussions with friends, we've determined I am likely too hard on myself and am exceptional, but in my head I play this off as the other party telling me what I want to hear. I wake up every day and make decisions that will benefit me, while allowing me to enjoy life as much as possible, while still getting what I need to do, done. I am not cocky, generally lack confidence, but am realistic and know that I'm a good person, because I work at it, and get pleasure from it. I am an amazingly positive person. I don't get depressed, and rarely experience stress. I make the absolute best of any situation, and as a result, some think I lack emotion. If my friend breaks up with a girlfriend, it's her loss. If my cat dies, she is no longer suffering. If I total my car, I still have my life. It's a mindset I work at, and enjoy. I love being positive, and I love, and enjoy, life. And as tacky as it sounds, I do, almost every single day. I am single, and have very high standards in a partner. I've discussed this as well with friends, and we've concluded that my standards are not ridiculosuly high, but instead the standards of society so low. I'm not asking much in what I desire, but I'm also not finding it; thus I consider my standards to be high. That being said, I truly do enjoy life, and if my partner is not going to enhance that enjoyment, I don't see the point in wasting time, hers or mine. I listen to Billy Joel. __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.

09-23-2006, 08:03 PM	#22 (permalink)
Gilda 32 flavors and then some Location: Out on a wire.	Toaster126: Selfishness isn't inherently bad, though in practice it very often is because it can place an emphasis on personal advancement over the welfare of others. What I meant there was that by focusing on selfish desires, I wasn't doing anything to atone for the harm I've done to others. The harm I've done to myself does not require repair or atonement, as I was the actor in those instances, so being selfish does nothing to balance past wrongs. Again, please note that I apply this standard only to myself. Gilda __________________ I'm against ending blackness. I believe that everyone has a right to be black, it's a choice, and I support that. ~Steven Colbert

09-24-2006, 02:38 AM	#23 (permalink)
Dissociated Upright	I've made many mistakes and screwed a fair few people over before. Thankfully I've changed and now I do always make an effort to be good to people even if i don't like them. I'm usually pretty generous with my friends now too. By no means am I a saint, but my heart is in the right place and I want the best for everyone so yes, I do consider myself a good person.

09-24-2006, 06:39 AM	#24 (permalink)
Sugarmouse Insane Location: Preston lancs(i know i know)	I used to thnk I was a very,particularly good person. I was incredibly happy with myself, and it took me a long time to get that way..I have made several changes to myself throughout life to become someoen I wanted to be.It was an amazing feeling realising that i was now someone i wantd to be. I have just had a particularly bad time recently.I feel as if someone saw me having too much of a good time and put all the bits of my life in a jar and shook them all up to mix them as much as possible..things are jsut not how i thought and I am no longer what I want to be.in fact I have become the kind of person I hate...I guess I would have to ask someoen who knows me if I am a good person.lol __________________ Sugarmouse=Festered

10-29-2006, 05:41 PM	#26 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Cynthetiq's signature sums up the entire question quite nicely. "I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Independent, either you're an asshole or you're not." It's easy to tell if someone is a good person or not. It can be answered on a basic level with one simple question: are you an asshole? Asshole as in someone who causes negative emotion and/or negative feedback for the sake of entertainment or personal gain. I have friends who make fun of others publicly because they think it's funny. They're not good people. I know people I work with that think harming animals is cool and badass. They're not good people. I know people who go completely apeshit when any amount or type of rendered service in any situation that involves money is less than 150% perfect...those people are not good people. Being a good person is as simple as thinking to yourself, "Is what I'm about to say or do going to affect anyone around me or any stakeholders in the matter negatively?" If so, then don't do it. I'm an INTJ personality type with an extremely heavy judging percentage, so I do believe in people getting punished for hurtful actions towards others. In general, however, strangers or friends or people you even find annoying deserve 100% respect in all situations regardless of all other variables (sans the subject having led me to believe that they do not deserve respect). If you do not believe this, you are not a good person. You're either an asshole or you're not. This isn't an attempt to derail the thread, so I will relate it to myself: I'm a good person. I try to help others to my best ability. I'm an extremely good service employee that understands all situations going on from the customer's perspective. I look at all arguments and controversies with an open-mind, sometimes leading to friends or relatives seeing me in a completely different manner than they're used to. I don't believe in letting stress get to you and taking out your frustrations on other people and I don't believe in yelling and/or being harsh on others. I let people who drive like shit cut me off without getting annoyed. I let people who most believe to be ignorant or uncouth be ignorant or uncouth because in many cases it's not their mindset that causes it, but their upbringing. I could go on and on but I'll stop here. __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert Last edited by Lasereth; 10-29-2006 at 05:45 PM..

10-29-2006, 11:12 PM	#27 (permalink)
waltert Insane	+1 to the good person list...well, crap now that I think about it...im probably about average. I do withhold information to protect the feelings of my SO....if it wasnt for that, I'd probably be pretty high on the good person list

10-30-2006, 01:12 AM	#28 (permalink)
skier Rawr! Location: Edmontania	I have a strong set of moral values and firm boundaries for those judgements. I try to be as open minded as possible about issues i am unsure with, and sharp enough to defend my principles when they are attacked; I enjoy looking at different perspectives on an issue in order to better understand my position on the subject. Does this make me a good person? I don't know. By society's measure I fill most of their requirements, though i am sometimes grumpy and snappish or break some laws intentionally (being aware of the risks). To myself I am neither good nor evil, because my actions are centered around my moral beliefs and values which define my life. The only way I can judge myself in that way is to hold them against my culture's moral framework, which are my actions to others in my community. (Are you a good person if you hurt yourself but no others?) In a sense though, I feel like a "good" person when I attain my goals without sacrificing my morals. Any time I bend my rules or compromise my beliefs in some way I feel embrassed and shameful- hypocrisy is being a "bad" person to me. So yeah, I guess i feel as though i'm a good person. Other people think of me as a good person as well, but for completely different reasons. __________________ "Asking a bomb squad if an old bomb is still "real" is not the best thing to do if you want to save it." - denim

10-31-2006, 04:48 AM	#29 (permalink)
Seer666 Oh dear God he breeded Location: Arizona	I am a good person. That does not, however, mean I have to be a nice one. __________________ Bad spellers of the world untie!!! I am the one you warned me of I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant.

10-31-2006, 06:35 AM	#30 (permalink)
Prince /nɑndəsˈkrɪpt/ Location: LV-426	I'm a pretty good person. I am pretty considerate, friendly and all that. I have low tolerance for stupidity though, and am too quick to judge others. __________________ Who is John Galt?

11-01-2006, 07:55 AM	#31 (permalink)
Warlock! Upright Location: Ohio	I'm not too bad. I am courteous to people I don't know, I try not to dick over people I DO know, and I do all I can for my family. I help out almost anyone that asks for a hand, but I don't go out of my way to do charity work. I love booze and porn, yet I still consider myself a Christian (you figger that one out). I like to laugh and party, and I hate being in a bad mood (and can be moody... ask my wife). I'd say I'm a 6 or 7 out of 10.