“No! You can’t do that! That’s bad.”
“Oh wow, that was really good, well done.”
The concept of “good and bad” plays a crucial role in our understanding of the world. It shapes our society and personal lives by influencing and determining our decisions, actions, and beliefs. This concept has become so normalized that we often fail to question or think about its origin. What exactly is that supposed to mean? “Good and bad.”
1. Objectively Speaking: That’s Subjective
One of the first things to recognize is that what we consider good or bad is subjective. Inherently, good and bad do not exist. This is a concept we, as humans, developed to coordinate our personal and interdependent lives.
The idea of good and bad provides direction and guidance on how to react and behave. This helps to structure your thoughts and actions, leading to stability and safety. Your perception can form and reveal your character, meaning: the things you label as “good” and the ones you label as “bad” reflect how you perceive the world around you, how you evaluate the behavior of others, and how you want to be treated by or treat others.
Cultural norms, personal experiences, and societal values play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of “good and bad,” or even further, “right and wrong.” For instance, a practice deemed acceptable in one culture might be frowned upon in another. Similarly, a decision that benefits one person might negatively impact another. This subjectivity makes it crucial to approach the concepts of good and bad with an open mind, a willingness to understand different perspectives, and a critical eye.
But what exactly impacts our beliefs of good and bad? Let’s have a look at them so you can gain deeper knowledge about yourself.
2. Isn’t There a Guide or Something?
Morality provides a framework for distinguishing between good and bad. A variety of ethical theories provide ideas on how to determine or evaluate this concept. Examples of such theories include utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, each offering different approaches. This variety further underscores the subjectivity of “good and bad”: Whereas some might deeply defend one of these theories, others might find the same one unethical and bad.
For example, utilitarianism suggests that an action is good if it maximizes overall happiness, focusing on the greatest benefit, free of emotional attachment. Deontology emphasizes adherence to rules and duties. Virtue ethics focuses on the development of good character traits, in contrast to other ethical systems that primarily consider consequences.
By examining the moral framework you believe in, whether it’s one of the above, a mix of them, or your own unique concept, you can gain deeper insights into why you label certain actions as good or bad.
3. That’s Completely out of Context!
But, even if you’ve now worked out what you believe in and have a perfectly set moral guide, there is yet another crucial factor in determining good and bad: Context. An action considered bad in one situation might be seen as good in another. Let me provide an example:
Lying is generally perceived as bad, and it’s counterpart, honesty, is valued highly. We’ve talked about the importance and influence of honesty in everyday life before (“First Word – An Anecdote to Honesty”), however, if you’re planning a surprise birthday party for a friend, would it be good to honestly tell them if they ask about it, thereby ruining the surprise? While this might be considered a “small lie,” it is still lying.
Many situations lead us to adjust or overlook our original concept of good and bad. This fluidity highlights the importance of considering the broader circumstances surrounding any action or decision. It also underscores the need for empathy and understanding when evaluating the actions of others and ourselves.
4. It’s Balance Again
Life is a delicate balance, just as we discussed in our >>balance series<<. That’s the reason it’s going to present you a variety of good and bad experiences, or is it?
Challenges and hardships, your typical bad experiences, right? No. Again, the perception of “good and bad” is subjective, a concept we created, a concept that’s human-made. Whether something is bad depends on your perspective. Challenges can lead to personal growth, resilience, learning, development, and a deeper appreciation of good moments – does that sound bad at all?
Learn to see the good in your experiences. Most things can’t be labeled completely “good” or completely “bad.” Everything exists in balance. If there’s something bad, there must be something good balancing it out. Conversely if there’s something good, there must be something bad providing balance just as well. For example, unexamined good times might not fully prepare us for the inevitable difficulties we will face, highlighting the importance of allowing bad experiences. You are the one deciding your reality.
5. Start Crafting!
Embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty that come with these concepts and focus on cultivating a mindset that values compassion, critical thinking, and adaptability. You’ll learn what you believe, what you want, and recognize that each situation is unique. As we continue to explore and reflect on what constitutes good and bad, let’s strive to approach each situation with empathy and an open heart, recognizing that the true essence of these concepts often lies in the details of our shared human experience.
Realizing that good and bad aren’t naturally given but are values you need to determine for yourself is crucial to your self-improvement. Stop talking yourself down because you don’t fit into someone else’s frame; start crafting your own! Whether with bought wood, branches, flowers, or gum. It doesn’t matter — it’s your frame!