GOODNESS

Goodness means having the right qualities—untainted, commendable, right, proper, morally excellent, kind, and benevolent.

“For the cause that lacks assistance,
The wrong that needs resistance,
For the future in the distance,
And the good that I can do.”

“Happy were men if they but understood
There is no safety but in doing good.”

“The crest and crowning of all good,
Life’s final star, is brotherhood.”

“Since good, the more communicated, more abundant grows.”

“He that does good for good’s sake seeks neither praise nor reward, though sure of both at last.”

“Do all the good you can,
To all the people you can,
In all the ways you can,
As long as ever you can.”

An illustration of goodness can be seen in the story of Prospero from The Tempest.

Prospero, the Duke of Milan, was betrayed by his younger brother Antonio, with the help of the King of Naples. He and his three-year-old daughter Miranda were set adrift in a small boat without sail or support, left to perish at sea. By divine grace, they reached a deserted island inhabited by spirits. Prospero, skilled in magic, gained control over these spirits.

After twelve years, Antonio, the King of Naples, and others were shipwrecked on the same island through a storm created by Prospero. When they came before him and recognized him, Antonio repented deeply and begged forgiveness. The King also expressed sincere remorse.

Prospero responded:

“Though with their high wrongs I am struck to the quick,
Yet with my nobler reason against my fury
Do I take part: the rarer action is
In virtue than in vengeance. They being penitent,
The sole drift of my purpose doth extend
Not a frown further...”

Though he had the power to punish or destroy them, Prospero chose to forgive.

This is the essence of goodness—to rise above anger, to choose virtue over vengeance, and to act with kindness even when wronged.