So when discussing this with a friend, we both came up blank. What is something that is deeply and importantly good. Not something amusingly or superficially good. Better yet, what is something that has no bad side. I clarify because I know there would be a lot of “love” responces and that just isn’t practical; love and similarly looked upon subjects have bad or unclear points that are often overlooked (purposely or not).
I see a problem with this.
Are you saying that for someone to say “Love is good,” that is impractical within the bounds of the definition assigned by you and your friend? Why does something “good”, which enriches the world, provides wings for the heart and spirit and helps us all enjoy the time we spend here, have to be “practical”?
How do you define “deeply and importantly”? Surely those who live their faith in divine beings, or in themselves, to the absolute core of their being, and use that belief to help their fellow man out of life’s mire and out into the sunlight of hope, know what is “deep and important” very well. Yet – is it practical?
I don’t think that anything has “no bad side.” The bad side might be incredibly minute in contrast to the good side, but it’ll still be there. Something about every silver lining having a cloud…
And let’s not forget that individual needs and desires differ from one person to the next. For a poor family facing homelessness and starvation, a gift of $10,000 would probably have no downside. For others, it might do little more than push them into a higher tax bracket. Most people dread death, yet people with agonizing terminal illnesses are likely to pray for their own demise. Even faith in a God that is believed to be absolutely good has led to the most bloody of wars.
To answer your question (if it is answerable), all things would have to exist in a vacuum. (All that exists in my vacuum is a lot of dog fur and crumbs, and who’s to say whether those are good or bad?) The way I see it, good and bad are not inherent qualities. They are conditions which emerge based on how a thing or person or experience is viewed, used and/or altered over a period of exposure to other things or people or experiences.
In other words, no, I don’t think something can be absolutely good. Even if it could, it would probably still be vulnerable to corruption and therefore it wouldn’t stay good for very long.
I think that thinking in terms of “good” and “bad” has some religious overtones with themes like “guilt” and “sin.” I’m just throwing this out. It’s based on nothing. I believe it’s possible to enjoy the moment and not think about repercussions, etc.
Kindness
Re: Kindness
The intent may be good, but there’s no way to control how it will be received. Some people are so accustomed to cruelty that being shown an act of kindness can be a confusing and painful experience. Not a good thing.
Kitten purrs.
There’s no downside to a kitty purring in your ear.
Unless one is allergic to cats!!