To be “good person” is a choice.

Human beings are neither utterly good nor utterly bad.

In general, a “good person” is a relative standard. In other words, the particular person is more good than bad. To make this comparison we have to know what is good and bad. How do we get these concepts? In my opinion, the personal understanding of concept of good and evil is composed of three elements: first of the universal principles, secondly based on historical, political, cultural, social and economical context, thirdly based on personal experience, interpretation and decisions. In the interaction between these three elements person develops his or her own (unique) understanding of good and evil. Based on their understanding of these concept individual judges oneself and others actions, as either good or evil. Alternatively, judges the person as either good or evil.

Overall, the other person is judged as either good or evil based on their actions, rather than expressed thoughts. For example, if one talks about some good action, but does nothing, could we call this person good? More likely no. What about the person who does not talk about the good deeds, but whose actions are good, could we call this person good? More likely, yes. In order to be seen as a good person intentions are just not enough, actions are needed. After all, it is easy to talk, while to act on the words is much harder. Therefore, if the actions are the measure of the good person, then we should ask where the decisions to act arise. Desire to act arises from the emotions and thoughts (both conscious and unconscious) of the individual. Therefore, the concept of good and evil plays a role in our mind continually, as our thoughts and emotions takes the concepts as reference for the actions and interpretation of actions.

To act in right way requires effort. It is often easier to act in wrong way than to act in the right way. Nevertheless, all people have the capacity to be good if they wish to. However, this requires discipline. Exceptionally “good people” are driven by deep sense of right and wrong. The moral values and norms (which are based on the previously created concept of good and evil) of these people are stable and consistently upheld and drives their actions. Therefore, if one wants to be a good person one has to have understanding of good and evil, based on this create their norms and values on which he/she will act, and finally to up-hold the personal “rules”. One does not become good over night, as it requires time. However, through time it will become easier to act correctly, as the basics are firm. Where do we find desire to be good? The answer is easy. Desire comes from our selves. Nevertheless, we often decide not to act on our good nature, and as this part is not acted out, it becomes harder to act in the good nature. It as a machinery, which if not used rusts.