Where did this come from?

[scottobear]

A person is not being good by simply refusing to commit evil, in my opinion. One does good by creating more good. does that make sense? It seems these days that few people want to make a difference, and instead are saying "well, I didn't kill anyone"... trying to make the evil they commit seem weaker in comparison. Well, of course, stealing a dollar isn't so bad as beating someone to death. but it's still wrong. Liars are a toughie (and admittedly personal peeve) Some folks say that 'diplomatic lies' are a necessary evil. I sometimes see things in more black and white terms... If someone asks my opinion, oftentimes I return with the question "do you really want it?" which sometimes offends... because they assume that I'm going to give them a negative reply. (oftentimes, they're right. but sometimes, I want to know if they want my opinion, or for me to lie to them for validation... which I don't generally do)

Lately I've been thinking on how to be a better person... I want to be the best human I can be for a few reasons.

To make her life better, and mine... and those of the folks I meet. (how conceited that sounds to me, typed out.)

I want to set a good example. I'd like to be someone that folks say "He'd be a great teacher/husband/father" (and no, I'm not fishing for compliments, here.)

I need to set up some parameters on how to do this.

Comments

Ü

[shoo.livejournal.com]

I totally understand...and I think that the two of you need to get together and have as many babies as you can afford....

The world needs more minds and hearts like yours....
what you said is what I think life is all about.....

being a better person....a good, kind, considerate person......
but you still have to wade throught the poop to get there.....

keep thinking that way Scotto.....

[billijean.livejournal.com]

I think that setting the example is the way to go. People do take notcie. Preaching and complaining about whatever drives people away; makes them defensive and less likely to change.
But I think that you already pretty much travel the "set the example" road.

Re: Ü

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

*smiles

Thanks... I know there's a lot of poop to wade through, too.

Nice to have good folks like yourself to help make it worthwhile.

Re: Ü

[shoo.livejournal.com]

oh you silly, sweet, fuzzy, guy...

but I was very serious....there are so many people that have kids that just don't have a clue...


Ü

Re:

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

Thank you... I try... but I need to set my mind and focus on it... so I can find what my goals are.

Re: Ü

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

I want to have kids, with the woman I love.. :)

You'd be amazed at my cravings for doing so.

Good vs. evil

[mouseferatu.livejournal.com]

Although I admit that I haven't always lived by it, I tend to agree with you. Good can't simply be the absence of evil; it's an active, not a passive.

Most mythology, religion, and fantasy fiction associates good with light and dark with evil, right? Well, you can't have an "absence of dark," because darkness is an absence. You can only banish darkness by adding an active force--light--into it.

Thus, evil is simply the absence of good, and thus not adding to it doesn't make it any less. Evil is removed only by the actual presence of an active good.

Boy, that sounded pompous, didn't it? :-)

Good...

[ex-foom23660.livejournal.com]

One of the characteristics (I think) of a good person is being conscientious about your behavior and actions and how they affect other people. A good person thinks about things - especially before acting. I want to be a better human, too. I look around and see all of the suffering in the world and I sometimes feel totally helpless. But you know what? We can't save the world, but we can excercise good and love and compassion in our little immediate worlds - and I think doing that has the ripple effect - }}}}}}}} - going out and out and out, and reaching to others. It isn't simply enough to go volunteer in a soup kitchen, or whatever. It takes what's inside our hearts. Sincerity; which I am afraid is becoming a lost art.
You know what is helpful? Reading the Dharma, the Buddhist Law. Buddha was all about goodness, and the end of suffering (mental suffering, too!)
But you know what? You have a good heart! I can see it through your words.

And that is my two cents!

Re: Good...

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your observations and kind words. :)
Dharma is quite a reference, certainly!

I agree about the ripple effect... but doing good works is a nece start, you almost can't help but feel better.

Re: Good vs. evil

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

A nice analogy.

Let there be light! (How's that for pompous!!:) )

Continue to practice compassion

[ldy.livejournal.com]

Oh, and just be yourself :)

*HUGS*

Re: Continue to practice compassion

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

working on it! thanks. :)
*hug*