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Are You a Good Person?

What makes someone a good person? Do you strive to be one?

By Jeremy Engle

Find all our Student Opinion questions here.

Has anyone ever said that you were a good person? Is being good something you strive to be or aspire toward?

In “ How to Be Good ,” Simran Sethi sought out a therapist, a scholar, a monk, a C.E.O. and others to learn about bringing our best to everything we do, every day. She begins by exploring the meaning of goodness:

Rachana Kamtekar, a professor of philosophy at Cornell University, explained goodness by way of ancient Greek philosophy: “For Plato, goodness is the same as happiness. We desire appetitively because of our bodies. We desire emotionally because of our sense of self in contact with other human beings. And we also have rational desires to understand how to do what’s best. Our goodness requires all of these capacities to be developed and then expressed.” This can be a lifelong process — something that is never perfectly realized but should always be struggled for. “Goodness is impermanent and organic, meaning it can progress as well as regress,” said Chan Phap Dung, a senior monk at the Plum Village meditation center founded by the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. And that is why, he said, we have to be steadfast in caring for ourselves and the world at large. “In politics and culture, in the media and corporations, we have cultivated conditions that have produced a lot of violence, discrimination and despair for which there is a collective level of responsibility.” Because many of us have a complicated relationship with what it means to be good, it can help to reframe the subject and widen it. “Some people flinch when they ponder whether or not they or others are ‘good’ because the words ‘good’ and ‘goodness’ have long been associated with obedience,” the author and former “Dear Sugars” podcast host Cheryl Strayed shared in response to a query from The Times. “I reject that definition,” she said. “Goodness is expressed through lovingkindness, generosity of spirit and deed, and the thoughtful consideration of others. It can be as simple as offering to let someone ahead of you in line and as complicated as making yearslong sacrifices of your freedom because someone you love needs your help. Over the course of a lifetime, most of us do both.”

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Essay on Qualities of a Good Person

Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities of a Good Person in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Person

Understanding goodness.

A good person is someone we all strive to be. They possess traits that are admired and make others feel good.

Kindness and Compassion

Kindness is a fundamental quality. A good person shows compassion, helping others without expecting anything in return.

Honesty and Integrity

Honesty and integrity are vital. A good person stays true to their word, ensuring trust is built and maintained.

Respectfulness

Respect for all is another key quality. Good people understand that everyone is unique and deserves respect.

Responsibility

250 words essay on qualities of a good person, introduction.

Being a good person is a complex and multifaceted concept, encompassing a variety of characteristics and traits. It’s a subjective term, often shaped by societal norms, personal beliefs, and individual values. However, some universal qualities are widely recognized as markers of a good person.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. A good person is empathetic, demonstrating an innate capacity to connect with others on an emotional level. They can put themselves in someone else’s shoes, fostering understanding and promoting unity.

Integrity is a fundamental quality of a good person. It’s about being honest, trustworthy, and standing up for what is right, even when it’s challenging. A person with integrity holds themselves accountable for their actions and decisions, fostering respect and trust among their peers.

Respect for Diversity

In an increasingly globalized world, respect for diversity is crucial. A good person acknowledges and appreciates the differences among people, embracing diversity in thought, culture, and lifestyle. They understand that diversity enriches society and fosters growth and innovation.

Kindness, though simple, is a powerful quality. A good person is kind, not because they expect something in return, but because it’s the right thing to do. They strive to spread positivity, make others feel valued, and contribute to a more compassionate world.

500 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Person

Understanding the qualities that make a good person is essential in fostering interpersonal relationships and building societies. A good person is not defined by their wealth, fame, or power but by their character, actions, and how they treat others. This essay outlines several key qualities that define a good person.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an essential quality that allows a person to connect with others on a deeper level. Empathy fosters kindness and compassion, making one considerate of the feelings and circumstances of others. It encourages mutual understanding and respect, which are vital in any social interaction.

Resilience refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. Life is full of ups and downs, and a good person knows how to navigate these challenges without losing their sense of self. Resilient individuals are adaptable and maintain a positive outlook on life, despite the obstacles they face. Their ability to bounce back inspires others and fosters a sense of hope and optimism.

Selflessness

Selflessness is the ability to put others’ needs before your own. A good person is willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others. They give their time, resources, and energy to help those in need without expecting anything in return. Their selfless acts often make a significant impact on the lives of others.

Open-mindedness

In conclusion, the qualities of a good person revolve around their character and actions towards others. Empathy, integrity, resilience, selflessness, and open-mindedness are all critical attributes. These qualities not only make individuals better but also contribute to building healthier relationships and societies. It is essential to remember that being a good person is not about perfection but striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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15 Qualities That Are At The Core Of Every ‘Good’ Person

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pensive young woman with slight smile - illustrating a good person

What makes a person “good” in the grand scheme of things?

There are some traits considered to be good by just about everyone. There are also cultural variables as to what symbolizes and expresses goodness in a person.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to determine what they feel are the qualities of a “good person.”

When we’re asked to explain why some of our heroes are (or were) sincerely good people, many of these traits will make the list.

1. Prudence

A good person is a prudent person. Prudence is the ability to determine whether or not a particular action is a good (or appropriate) idea at that specific point in time. It’s considered to be one of the four cardinal virtues, derived originally from Plato’s Republic .

Prudence also refers to a situation in which you have the strength to do something, but choose not to. Or, when you could do something that’s self-indulgent in the moment, but choose to err on the side of better judgment for later.

An example of this would be refraining from spending money on games and junk food because you need to save enough to cover your portion of the rent and bills. You may spend a bit on a small indulgence, but choose responsibility over temporary amusement or gratification.

2. Temperance

Although most people interpret temperance as being abstinence from something, what it actually means is moderation.

Having temperance means finding the middle path, and balancing the self in the face of any situation. It encompasses self-discipline and self-awareness. After all, you have to know your own abilities as well as your own limits in order to find the moderate zone between them.

For example, embodying a sense of diplomacy as a moderator means finding that magical middle ground between expressing what you need to say, with the needs and views of others around you.

In other people, temperance might mean accepting a small drink when toasting with others, but refraining from drinking to inebriation. Or thoroughly enjoying a slice of cake without overindulging.

When you are balanced and measured in your approaches to everything, you can experience and understand all without being overwhelmed by it.

Good people often show courage. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the ability to take action even though you feel afraid. It is knowing that there is a difficult, potentially dangerous task ahead of you, but doing it because you know it needs to be done.

This one goes along with several of the other qualities listed here. For example, it often takes courage to act with integrity.

Courage can take many forms, from trying a new, challenging exercise to standing up to an intimidating person, or facing something that scares you.

The first level of courage is doing something even though it terrifies you.

The last level is being a calm, inspirational force to others, while feeling the same fear that they’re experiencing.

For example, a high-ranking officer in a WWI trench was a bastion of calm and confidence, while the troops around him were quaking with fear. A young Private asked him how he was so calm, and the officer replied that he had to be in order to keep morale up. Additionally, he knew that the soldiers on the other side were also afraid, and that was oddly reassuring to him.

4. Compassion

Being compassionate isn’t just about understanding someone else’s pain. It’s also the desire to help alleviate it. One can look at a person and see that they’re suffering (sympathy) and then walk on by. But when we want to do what we can to help, then that’s compassion in action.

Ultimately, the basic element of compassion is kindness. We want to give of our own abilities to help another being who may be suffering. We can have compassion for people, animals, trees, rivers… anything that seems to be in distress that we can help to lessen.

The greatest mastery of compassion is when the one you’re trying to help is hurting you, and yet you’re still offering them assistance in a loving, gentle way. An adult may rail against you, or the hurt animal may bite you, but you still try to help.

Compassion means that you understand another’s pain without compounding it, offering what the other needs, and giving of yourself, regardless of the outcome.

5. Generosity

Generosity is a quality often associated with a good person. When we have a surplus of something, it’s important to share with others who have less. Even if we don’t have a surplus, it’s important to share with others.

We always have something that we can share or give to those around us. This doesn’t have to be monetary wealth or physical objects, either. People who don’t have a lot of money can still be immensely generous with their time, for example. They can volunteer with the elderly or doing charity work. Or they can teach their skills to others who would like to learn from them.

Being generous means that you’re giving with the heart, without any schemes to receive anything in return, or control those you are being generous with. These are gifts freely given, not because you think you’ll benefit in turn.

Quite often, those who have the least are the most generous toward others, because they know what it’s like to have nothing. They have the biggest hearts, and tend to be the most willing to help others in need.

6. Patience

This is one of the qualities that many admire, but it is also one of the most difficult to put into practice. It’s possible that this is because few of use are actually patient by nature.

We tend to want things on our terms, on our own time. As a result, we get frustrated and annoyed when things don’t play out the way we think they should.

This is why it’s important to remember that the world doesn’t revolve around our wants and our schedule. There are billions of other players on this chess board, all engaged in an intricate dance. As such, we need to acknowledge and respect that we are all cogs in the machine, and our time to turn will come when it’s meant to.

Furthermore, it’s important to be aware that a lack of patience can cause a great deal of harm. People can only do their best, and when we’re impatient with those who aren’t as capable as we are, we can make them feel truly horrible about themselves. Or worse, they may end up traumatized and damaged.

This is why it’s important to be patient with the grandmother or the child when crossing the road in a hurry, because they can’t keep up with you. If you’re not, and you walk away quickly instead of helping, they may end up getting hurt.

Patience means that you can remain calm and measured in your responses, even when irritated. To not throw a tantrum when forced to wait. And to not complain unduly when things are taking longer than expected.

7. Respect

Respect is undoubtedly a characteristic of a good person. When we talk about respect, we’re encompassing various aspects thereof. This includes respect for other people, self-respect, respect for life, for nature, etc.

Tolerance, esteem, appreciation, and recognition are just a few aspects of respect that can come into play.

For example, we can respect nature by not throwing garbage around or polluting water supplies. We can respect housemates by acknowledging the fact that they live their lives differently than we do, so we don’t project our behavioral expectations onto them.

We can respect our bodies by eating well and getting plenty of exercise, and show self-respect by not engaging in activities that would make us feel shame later.

We acknowledge boundaries – our own and other people’s – and don’t overstep them for the sake of self-indulgence. We acknowledge that every individual is perfect, sovereign, and sacred. As such, we don’t put others down or mistreat them. Instead, we pay attention when they speak, honor their words, heed their personal choices.

It doesn’t take much effort to help others feel seen and heard, but it makes a world of difference to them when we do so.

8. Tolerance

Tolerance means accepting that others may think, behave, or live differently than we are, without trying to change their ways to suit our own preferences.

In simplest terms: live and let live.

Seek to understand your contemporaries in other cultures, races, religions, and creeds, rather than attacking them for their differences from you.

This is the difference between people who talk about how tolerant they are, but want to lead the next witch hunt.

In the 1600s it was witches. In the 1800s it was Amerindians. In the 1930s it was Jews. It is what it is today, and in 200 years, there will be another target group for people’s ire.

Don’t jump on that bandwagon. We’re all better than that.

9. Integrity

A good person will act with integrity. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. It’s holding to your individual moral and ethical convictions despite other people’s opinions and influences. Especially when it’s difficult to do so.

For example, let’s say that you’re working on a construction site and you find a precious artifact. You’re only making minimum wage at this gig, and this is a centuries-old gold ring buried in the mud. Nobody saw it except you. If you sold it, you’d likely make a ton of money. But you also recognize that it has historical significance.

Your sense of integrity would have you report the ring to the local coroner or Finds liaison officer so they can investigate it. Sure, you might get a reward for it – likely less than you’d have made for pawning it – but you know it’s the right thing to do. You didn’t have to, but you did it anyway.

10. Commitment

This one goes along with integrity, but expands upon it differently.

Commitment means that you’ve held to your word, even if it was difficult to do so. This might mean sticking with a job or project that you absolutely hate because you promised someone that you would do so. Or it could be remaining faithful to a partner, despite your own non-monogamous leanings, because you gave your word that you’d be loyal.

You’ll see something through, simply because you made a promise.

A person who keeps their commitments is someone who can be trusted and relied upon. When you’re known as someone who keeps their word, you’re incredibly valued and respected in your community, as well as among your friends and loved ones.

11. Honesty

Honesty is often expressed as a quality of a good person. After all, if you discovered that someone lied to you, could you ever trust them again? If they lied to you that time, what would stop them from lying to you about everything and anything else?

People respect and appreciate honesty, especially when it’s difficult. For example, if and when we mess up horribly at work, but own that screw-up, admit to it, and take action to remedy it. Our employers and peers will respect us a lot more than if we try to cover it up or cast blame on others.

Furthermore, many people even appreciate honesty when it’s a bit hurtful. When someone is honest about a difficult topic or situation, it means that they care enough not to betray the other’s trust by lying about it.

Of course, a lot depends on how a truth is shared. We can be gentle in our tone and the words we choose, rather than being cruel or scathing. How a truth is delivered can make the difference between long-term positive change, and trauma.

12. Humility

You know the type of person who’s always bragging about how awesome they are? Humility is the opposite of that.

Humility is holding to the idea that no person is greater or lesser than any others, despite popularity, wealth, titles, or achievements.

Those who feel that they are better or more important than other people tend to treat others badly. Since they consider themselves to be special, they often expect better treatment, and to be allowed to belittle those around them.

In contrast, someone who remains humble treats everyone around them with care and respect. They don’t tell others about all the wonderful charitable things they’ve done: they just do them. Their actions are for the greater good, not for the acknowledgement and praise they’ll receive from doing so.

13. Strength

The strength that makes a good person is mental and emotional rather than physical. Strength can be shown in a gentle way, albeit one that is unyielding. Look at Mahatma Gandhi and his hunger strike. It took immense strength to quash his own hunger, though agonizing, in order to work toward positive change.

Hannibal and Marcus Aurelius showed immense strength of character in keeping everyone together while undertaking a massive journey.

Anne Frank and Mother Teresa both showed tremendous strength in atrocious circumstances. Furthermore, their ability to love and care for others remained intact despite the horrors they witnessed and experienced.

You’ve likely noticed that strength and compassion, and strength and courage are linked. This is because strength is not always a projective virtue, but rather it’s an adaptive term.

Strength is often a battery for many of the other qualities on this list. For example, you may show immense strength when you hold to integrity when everyone around you is doing something that goes against everything you believe in. Standing up for what you believe is right might be dangerous to you – perhaps even life threatening. As such, it takes immense strength of character and will to be true to yourself.

There are many different types of love, despite the fact that only one word is used to encompass them in the Western world. We’re mostly familiar with romantic love, or the love felt between parents and children. But we can love humanity or nature with all our hearts as well. And we know that we love when we pour our energy toward other beings’ happiness, health, success, and freedom.

Some people mistake infatuation for love. Or possessiveness. Someone might love another person because they feel that the other person will give them what they need. Similarly, they might love a pet, or a house, or any other being or creature that brings them fulfillment.

In contrast, when we truly love a person, our greatest wish is for their happiness.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski covers this when he talks about “fish love.” What most people consider to be “love” is when their needs are fulfilled. Such as a man who eats a fish because he loves fish. This man loves the fish he’s eating so much that he took it out of the water, boiled it, and is eating it. He loves himself, and sees the fish as something that will fulfill his needs and wants.

If he truly loved the fish, he would encourage it to swim happily and lead a beautiful life.

Real love isn’t a question of what we’re going to get from a situation or a person, but what we can give .

15. Self-awareness

You know in your gut when you’ve done wrong, or when you have done good.

If you ever do something and feel a twinge of shame or disgust with your actions, then you’re fully aware that you didn’t act in love or respect. Perhaps you did something sneaky for the sake of your own self-interests. Or the selfish altruism you displayed was far more for your own benefit than the other person’s.

In contrast, when you’ve done something that’s ethical and loving, you’ll feel an immense lightness of being. A warm glow will suffuse through you, and you might even get a bit choked up. You know that your actions will have long-reaching positive repercussions; like a glowing pebble thrown into a pond. Every ripple will carry light along with it.

Listen to this feeling when it speaks to you. Recognize it as your own inner compass, and allow it to lead you to the sincere goodness you’re capable of.

About The Author

Finn Robinson has spent the past few decades travelling the globe and honing his skills in bodywork, holistic health, and environmental stewardship. In his role as a personal trainer and fitness coach, he’s acted as an informal counselor to clients and friends alike, drawing upon his own life experience as well as his studies in both Eastern and Western philosophies. For him, every day is an opportunity to be of service to others in the hope of sowing seeds for a better world.

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How to Be a Good Person Essay

1. introduction.

The work "How to Be a Good Person" begins by defining what it means to be a good person. According to the author, a good person is someone who upholds universal moral values, such as honesty, kindness, and respect towards others. The author emphasizes the importance of embodying these qualities in our daily lives, such as by acting in ways that promote the well-being of others and the world around us. This goal of self-improvement, or understanding and developing our ethical values, is what is called moral development. Throughout this book, moral development will be encouraged and described as the underlying goal of the advice given on how to become a good person. The author explains that by working to develop our own characters and ethical values, we can begin to extend this development to others and contribute to the betterment of society. A focus will be on articulating this idea of moral development, to continuously improve, or to positively affect the world as a result of our commitments to being better people. This introduction sets the stage for the various topics that will be discussed in the book. By providing a foundation for what it means to be a good person and why is it important to embody these qualities, the author effectively connects the different pieces of advice and projects that will later be discussed in the book, to help the reader not only follow along as each topic is presented, but also to understand how the broad topic of personal character and development is at work throughout the book.

1.1. Defining a good person

Defining a good person is not an easy task. In "How to Be a Good Person," we are grounded in the idea that a good person can be a multitude of things depending on who you ask and that good people can be different. A good person can be a person that is honest and respectful. A good person can be a person that helps other people in times of need. A good person can be a person that you cannot just help but admire for everything in life. Good people are those who make a difference, make something happen, and make this world a better place. These are some of the things that come to mind when we think about a good person, and this is a contrast and affects how we view good people in the realm of ethics as well. When we are thinking of what makes us a good person, or ways in which we would consider ourselves to be better, we usually reflect on day-to-day activity. These reflection practices exist in almost all cultures and often are tied to some sort of spiritual or religious routine. However, these routines can be done by anyone and can be exercises in making the intrinsic value of a good person an objective truth. It is our responsibility as good human beings to think and think critically about what makes us good so that we may strive towards that platonic form. But there is an issue in that there is no true definition of what good is, so, therefore, there is no way to know absolutely what makes someone good. These exercises, while beneficial, cannot give us access to that knowledge and therefore are ultimately in vain. This creates a paradox: we are urged to strive towards a definite good when there is no possible way of accessing that good. But in "How to Be a Good Person," we are introduced to the idea that perhaps it is not the end result of finding that good that is important. Instead, the striving towards that good and the critical thinking that occupies is the true and important part of being a good person.

1.2. Importance of being a good person

Although it may be easier for us to focus on ourselves and our personal needs, helping others and making a positive impact on the world is much more important and fulfilling. Being a good person means more than just doing things for others. It means taking the time to make personal changes within myself. When I am a good person, I demonstrate a win-win way of life. I do things which bring happiness and success to all in the long term. I take the focus off of me and what I want, and I aim to better the world around me. This is not to say that a person must suffer in order to help others. Each win-lose experience teaches a person what it is like to lose, or experience something negative themselves. If one focuses on positive experiences, it becomes clearer that any loss, or negative experience, is more a reflection of the other person than it is of themselves. In other words, the other person is really the 'loser', and they will have to deal with that in their own way. To face adversity and problems as a means of teaching others to help, share and give will inevitably build an internal strength and character that will not only affect others, but also create a sense of satisfaction; something that person cannot take away. Furthermore, the knowledge that I can change the way I look and feel about others by engaging in positive and helpful behavior, not only empowers me, but allows me to share a part of myself with others who may be in need. This is a very selfless act, and for that reason, it is character building - in other words, it helps society to have faith and trust in each other. By doing good, not only is the cycle of the win-win succession kept intact, our actions have the potential to provide future generations with a sense of faith and hope that both good and justice do exist. Over time, these experiences become the things people remember, our qualities become our persona, and ultimately, our reputation. Thus, there is no reason to live a life without good purpose. In everything, I can be a good person, if I take the time to try. Every smile, every helping hand, and every kind word is a reflection of what I am inside, and what I wish to share with the world. It is great to do and be good, not because someone may be watching, but because I feel good in my own right when I am helping others and doing good. It is a satisfaction that can be gained in no other way. As a good person, we must overlook, tolerate and forgive many of those mistakes in order to leave behind the right example that others can learn from. Everyone leads by example, whether they mean to or not. However, which example is the correct example? I want my children, my family, my friends, and everyone I meet to see and know that I live compassion, integrity, and authenticity as a way of life. That is the legacy I want to leave behind when my time in this world is completed. Altruism - caring for the well-being of others and helping them - seems to erode the instincts for survival in favor of more peaceable, harmonious and cooperative living. It challenges what is known as social exchange theory and the egoism model, which focus on humanity and life in terms of individualism. However, by realizing a greater interconnectedness between everyone on this planet, there can be mutual benefits had from helping one another in that when support is needed, it will be given and vice-versa. In the end, the fears and selfishness that encompass each of us can be conquered only by the feelings and attitudes of benevolence and selflessness - that represents what is good and just both in the world and within ourselves. It is never too late to become an integral part, a meaningful proponent and a driving force in this world. In being proactive in trying to make a difference, I have the ability to affect the minds and feelings of others around me creatively and constructively. Anyone can be a good person no matter who they are or what they do. Every person can become better, kinder, and more giving to others. Every person can make this world a better place, and in doing so, start with the ability to build relationships and communities based on common goodness for the planet.

2. Personal Development

Cultivating a truly good person in yourself isn't an easy task. It's difficult to always act the way you know you should. But learning to be a good person is possible. Over time, with dedication and hard work, you can build the character that will help you lead a morally and emotionally satisfying life. A good person is one who empathizes with others and feels a compassionate insight when it comes to the problems and needs of other people. When they see someone in need, good people will not hesitate to feel compassion for them. If you see somebody suffering, you feel it inside, as you feel a twinge of pain yourself - this is the key to true empathy. One way to learn how to help other people through a difficult time is to talk to them and ask how it's possible to make their lives easier. This could include helping out with little things, such as carrying the groceries when someone is struggling or going with people to the hospital. It's important to share the load of the people that you care about, rather than leaving them to struggle through in isolation. Viewing people in life as glass-half-full types, people who walk around seeing the best part of the feelings and actions of others and holding onto those positive emotions will build and create a good emotional well-being and neuroplasticity - both can change and develop the human brain to change progress throughout life. It's important to always let others speak their minds, even if what they're saying is difficult to hear. We should try to appreciate where that person is coming from and help them understand different perspectives on issues in life. This way, discussions can lead to greater enlightenments, while we foster the mindset of putting ourselves in others' shoes before making judgments.

2.1. Cultivating empathy and compassion

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It exists on a spectrum, from compassion at one end to distress at the other. Compassion is the feeling of caring for someone who is experiencing misfortune and is coupled with a desire to ease or end that suffering. Empathy allows us to resonate with how others are feeling. Ground down, cultivating empathy and compassion is about personal development and this is why it is the first focus in this section. To be more empathic and compassionate to others, we need to work on being more empathic and compassionate to ourselves as well. It is through the understanding of ourselves, our belief systems and our feelings that we can start to de-centre our perspectives and appreciate the experiences of others. One tip to start cultivating these feelings is to start to question your assumptions about others and practice engaging in active, non-judgmental listening. When we make time to really listen to others and practice responding to others with understanding and kindness, we build on our abilities to be empathic and compassionate. Make a conscious choice to spend time in environments that are new to you and expose yourself to new cultures or ways of life. It helps to make a conscious reflection on what you have learned and every experience that widens your understanding will further embed your wish to be empathic and compassionate.

2.2. Practicing honesty and integrity

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles - this is something that's extremely valued in the world today. Not everyone has integrity but it is something that people can develop and improve over time. Here are a few ways you can practice and develop your honesty and integrity. Firstly, it's important to be honest with yourself. This means checking in with yourself and making sure that you are being true to who you are and what you believe in - not just following the crowd. A good way to do this is to take some time to reflect. Meditation and mindfulness can be really helpful for this. Just a few minutes a day spent focusing and being aware of your thoughts can help you to develop greater self-awareness and understand your feelings. Next, make sure to surround yourself with people who have integrity. If the people in your life are honest and act with integrity, then it's much easier for you to do the same and to be influenced by these positive behaviors. It might also help to find a mentor or someone who you can look up to. If you find that you're in a situation where you're expected to behave in a way that compromises your integrity, then it's important that you stand up for what you believe in and refuse to back down. It can be hard to do this, especially if it means that you risk losing something, such as a job or a friendship, but in the long run you can be proud of yourself and your actions. In fact, acting with integrity involves putting the greater good above your own self-interest; you should be focused on what is right and what is best for the people around you, rather than only what is best for you. By acting selflessly and with righteousness, great leaders throughout history have shown what it truly means to lead with integrity and it's something that people admire and respect. So, let's summarize. Integrity is a wonderful character trait that can take many years to develop and is something that we may be working on throughout our entire lives. However, by being honest with ourselves and others, by truly standing up for what we believe in and by focusing on the greater good, we can begin to slowly build up and improve our integrity over time. By doing so, we'll be able to lead a happier and more fulfilling life - knowing that our conscience is clear and that we are doing right by others around us.

2.3. Developing self-awareness and mindfulness

Self-awareness means having a deep understanding of oneself. However, it can be very difficult to look inwards and face our flaws and insecurities. Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key element in stress reduction and overall happiness. There is a solid body of research around the many benefits of mindfulness. In terms of self-awareness, this research has shown that the areas of the brain associated with self-referential processing and problem-solving became more active among participants who had gone through an 8-week course in mindfulness meditation. This means that after just a short amount of time, practicing mindfulness can start to alter the way our brains are wired and help with improving internal observation and awareness. There are various methods of practicing self-awareness, and mindfulness is just one of them. For those already practicing mindfulness, there are specific mindfulness activities. Most people have heard of mindfulness meditation in some form or another. But a way that is beneficial in developing self-awareness is Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Each of these activities has the dual benefit of being a mindfulness activity in and of itself, and by paying attention to how your body is feeling, it aids in the journey for self-awareness. By practicing mindfulness, not only are we exercising our brains and making the areas associated with problem-solving stronger, but we are also making the conscious effort to be more self-aware. This effort is so important, yet often overlooked. However, the more you practice, the more you will develop your ability to observe your thoughts without judgment and understand who you are as a person.

3. Building Positive Relationships

Moreover, studies show that people who practice trust, periodic reward for good behavior, and desire. Trust and teamwork make great contributions to successful business. Researching on employees' trust on one another and trust of their leaders, Dirks and Ferrin found out that both types of trust contribute to teamwork. More importantly, trust between team members significantly mediates in effectiveness of teams, while trust in the team leader does not. Studies have also shown that cooperation can increase substantially trust. In a study, researchers found that groups that were competitive or did not have any goals didn't have a significant amount of trust. In contrast, groups that were cooperative and did have goals established a significant amount of trust. It also fosters a relatively high level of cooperation. However, researchers warn us that it's not simply putting people together by instruction that generates trust. Leaders need to keep in mind that specialized training and classes for trust are useful and necessary in certain cases. For example, class can help team members learn about each other and a class can help leaders maintain and foster trust in the team. Instead, the establishment of team trust calls for a comprehensive strategy. Given the importance of trust in teamwork, leaders need to develop it from the first day, and help it grow as the team goes along. Further, team members' voices should be taken into account when new methods of raising trust are put into use. However, the level of trust in teamwork can influence the decision making in firms. Wenqi Lai, an assistant professor at the Purdue University says, "Team leaders need to make a conscious effort to build trust among team members because there are both implicit and explicit costs associated with lack of team trust." When there is lack of team trust, it raises a question of whether the team has really developed in an effective level. Coordinative mechanisms, like brainstorming sessions and horizontal communications, which are based on trust would also be collapsed. If a project is both resource and guidance intensive, the contributing team members may feel skeptical about the meaningfulness of their work.

3.1. Communicating effectively and actively listening

One essential ingredient of being a good person is to be a good communicator. As "How to Be a Good Person" puts it, being able to communicate well is the key to develop a good relationship and to be understood by others. It is also important to know how to listen actively. Communicating effectively and actively listening to others can help us understand and be understood. This is important not only in our personal lives, but also when we are facing conflicts in the workplace. According to the book, one of the most important aspects of effective communication is respecting those with whom you are communicating. By doing this, we will make the other person as well as ourselves feel comfortable. The book suggests paying attention to facial expression, to use "I message" and empathize with the feelings of others. "I message" is a communication tool that focuses on expressing your feelings or thoughts about the other person's behavior instead of putting blame directly. This method encourages accurate expression by the speaker and it also helps the listener to understand the subtle message in a respectful atmosphere. As opposed to giving "you message", using "I message" can show that we are more willing to communicate and work for a solution with the other party and it is important to build a constructive dialogue. The book also provides strategies for active listening. To be a good listener, the book suggests that we should maintain good focus on the speaker, withhold judgment and make responses, whether verbal or nonverbal. We should also pay attention to the body language of the speaker. Active listening demonstrates respect to the speaker and it can help deepen our understanding of the speaker's feelings and thoughts. By doing so, we can provide more meaningful and attentive responses. Last but not least, the book advises that we should keep our own emotions in check. This is because "emotions can be so powerful that they can interfere with our ability to listen". The book suggests that if the topic is too emotional to have a productive conversation, consider taking a break and revisit the issue later when both parties are calmer.

3.2. Showing kindness and respect towards others

It is important to always treat people with kindness and respect. It is truly easy to do and makes a big difference in your relationships with others. For example, one thing you can do is to always say please and thank you. When others help you or give you something, you can use one of these polite expressions right away. These two expressions show your appreciation and people will feel that you are a thoughtful person. Another thing you can do is to respect the feelings of others. If you make a negative comment about someone, you hurt their feelings. This is because your words express what you think and believe. If you do not have something kind or helpful to say, it is better not to say anything. Most importantly, you should be grateful, too. It means more than saying thank you. When someone has done something nice for you, show them that you care about their feelings. You can share their happiness, too. If they are happy about something, you can be happy for them. You can be grateful for what you have. Think about all the good things in your life and appreciate them. Try not to take anything for granted. Also, you can show kindness to others. Like the Sun, your kindness should shine on everyone. You have to be kind to yourself, too. By doing this, you will find that it will be easier to be kind to others, as well. When you make a mistake, learn from it and do not get too upset. Try not to put yourself down too much. Instead, be patient with yourself and with others. You will find that about 95% of the world behaves in a negative manner. By being a kind person, you will have good friends and good cheer, which is the best money can buy. Remember, if you are kind and respectful to others, you can develop your positive relationships with friends and people around you. Last but not least, do a random act of kindness every day. This is a reflection of what you have in your heart. You should do this as a meditation every morning. Write down a list of the things that you are grateful for and another list for the things you want to achieve. You have to repeat it to yourself daily but remember, you will have to achieve this with actions. Every night, write down what random act of kindness you have performed that day. Also, for the activity, things like holding a door open for someone, letting someone go ahead of you in line at the cafeteria, picking up a piece of trash on the street, smiling at somebody in the hallway or giving a big tip at a restaurant should all count. These little kind acts are good for your health. They can make you feel lighter and happier, and if you keep doing these acts, they could help to make the world a better place, too. Well begun is half done. Start with a small act of kindness because the simplest thing can make the biggest difference. It is simple to do and it is a wonderful way to live. With every small act of kindness, with every smile, something wonderful happens. For you, and for others. For every gift received, no matter how small, your spirit grows in kindness. You should practice. If you practice sports, you get better. Kindness is something like a muscle. The more you use it, the better and strong it will be. You should practice with family. Let us say you have a big sister and she has her first piano recital. If you practice kindness, you would be the first to say congratulations and to give a hug. And in fact, you would motivate your sister to perform better. It is a win-win situation, not only for you. But for the people around you. Thank you.

3.3. Resolving conflicts peacefully

Everyone has arguments sometimes. When a disagreement arises, it is easy to get into a fight or to just give the other person what they want and then to become more and more upset as you look back on it. However, conflicts may also be seen as opportunities for growth. When people come together to resolve a disagreement, they can learn from one another. A person has the chance to become a really deep and thoughtful listener when resolving conflicts. First and foremost, the primary goal in any conflict is to resolve it, not to win. Therefore, all parties must take responsibility. This means both owning up to any part that they may have played in making the conflict worse and deciding to make the situation better. People must also work to emotionally become aware of the other person and their needs. It is vital to maintain communication, even if it may be challenging. When tensions are high and the people involved are frustrated, there is a very strong urge to interrupt others and to respond defensively. However, everyone who takes part in resolving a conflict must make a decision to express themselves in a healthy manner. This means that people must be willing to cool down and step back from a situation from time to time, and others need to allow them to do so. For instance, Laura, our professor of law and ethics in counselling, points out that anger is more often than not a secondary emotion. People become angry because they feel something else such as stress, fear, embarrassment, or vulnerability first. Recognising the underlying emotion gives people the chance to approach the situation with a clearer mindset. Finally, conflict resolution often requires some give and take from both sides. This can breed a new way of interacting with the person you are in conflict with, which is an effective form of engagement with the world around you. The new foundation that is laid down by working to resolve a conflict properly can lead to a more honest sense of self as well as a more insightful study of others. The adaptable reasoning skills that come from this type of engagement are a route to deep and meaningful thought and are often more useful than the result of a win/lose situation.

3.4. Building trust and fostering teamwork

Effective teamwork relies on open communication, mutual respect, and trust. Trust is one of the main factors in building positive relationships. To build trust in a team, it is important for each member to know each other as well as possible. Spending time together in team meetings, socials, and team development allows team members to build personal relationships. Furthermore, by sharing information about themselves and getting to know the others, trust grows. For example, five years ago when I first started my job in my current company, my team leader at the time made us all play a game in our weekly team meeting. We each had to reveal our most embarrassing moment. The team leader went first with a funny story and everyone laughed, then one by one the rest of us shared something. I realized the team leader had finished the game and we were all just gathering round to listen to me last. At the time, I thought it was just a fun way to get to know each other better but looking back, I think he was trying to demonstrate the benefit of sharing personal information to build trust within our team. Another way to create a good foundation of trust in a team is to create a team charter. A team charter is a document that is developed in a team setting that clarifies team values and goals. It serves as a contract between the team and its stakeholders. One of the core purposes of a team charter is to outline the common values of the team. By involving everyone in its creation, for example, one person should not dominate the discussion and all views should be taken into account and risk or unknown factors should be identified, the team will have an agreement that everyone has signed up to. This will create an environment in which the group can grow and develop safely. I believe everyone in the team will be putting these values into practice and that will create a culture of trust. Furthermore, this can clarify leaders' and managers' expectations and help resolve disputes. By promoting high involvement and dialogue, a team charter can also help develop a more cohesive team. Such teams are characterized by producing quality results, member satisfaction, and a sense of contribution and personal growth. This process demonstrates the willingness of all team members to work together and to develop a strong and productive working environment. Finally, remember that it takes time to build and gain trust, especially in a work environment. Being open, honest, and straightforward will help you to build trust within your team. When you build that trust, you are also building the bonds within the team, thus creating a sense of yourselves working as a single unit, as opposed to a group of individuals.

4. Contributing to the Community

At the very heart of community lies the idea of reciprocal relationships. This means that we each take responsibility for our society and do what we can to help others. This is why contributing to the community is so important. It's a way for an individual to show the people around them that they care, and that the community they live in is a good, happy place to be. There are many different ways to contribute to the community, whether you're simply taking a pair of litter-pickers to the park or whether you're establishing and running a gaming community to bring people together. The point is that everyone - regardless of their age, gender or ability - can make a difference to their community and the people in it. In much the same way as how our parents teach us moral values when we are young, our peers and the experiences that we have in our teenage years help to shape the values that we develop as we grow older. This means that, when we start contributing to our communities when we are young, we are well-placed to develop into well-rounded members of society. Indeed, many of us can feel uncertain about ourselves and our abilities. Sometimes, it's easy to forget the value that we have as an individual and the power that we have to influence the world around us. However, when we begin to actually do something, we realise that our actions have an impact and that we can make a difference. Contributing to the community helps us to build the self-confidence, esteem and the resilience that we need to maintain our mental wellbeing. But more than that, it helps us to develop a truly authentic sense of self, which can only be discovered when we know what it means to help others. When we show that we value our community by volunteering or helping to establish a community group, we also make a positive impression on the people around us. This doesn't just mean that we'll have more friends, or that people are more likely to support us. Instead, it means that we open the door to fruitful and long-lasting relationships, driven by the common desire to create a better living space for everyone. This helps to foster a sense of unity and togetherness within a community and, in doing so, the place where we live becomes more than just a place that we might call home. It becomes a springboard, a comfort and a source of support. This can be especially helpful when times get tough - just knowing that you have a network of people who care about you and share the same values can be incredibly beneficial. Whether you're learning camping skills at scouts, helping to run a drama class or volunteering at your local charity shop, there are plenty of ways that young people can start to make a difference. And as this passage has highlighted, the benefits of contributing to the community are wide-reaching and can provide support and a sense of wellbeing that lasts throughout life.

4.1. Volunteering and giving back

As opposed to financial giving, volunteering means offering time, service, or expertise to make a beneficial impact on someone or something in need. When a person volunteers, it offers the person the opportunity to change lives, including his or her own. It is not known when, where, or the number of volunteer hours a person would like to donate. All that has to be done as a volunteer is a willingness to help others. In many cases it provides the volunteer with a sense of purpose - a feeling that the volunteer can make a real difference. Nowadays, many volunteer organizations run on donations and grants. Paid staff do not have time to do the work that volunteers do. For example, in the non-profit sector, very little government money is given to fighting diseases. It is the volunteers who raise the funds for research and provide the medications and support that people need. Much of this sort of help depends on volunteers giving their time. Have you ever wanted to help out somewhere but did not know how to get in touch with the right people or what is needed most? There are a lot of places that can learn from new ideas and people; the trick is to find those places and learn about what is needed in a particular community. This is what volunteering is all about - finding those places. Another great way to find places that need volunteer help is by using the internet. Just type in the kind of volunteering that would like to do and maybe include the area of the world that would like to work in. It is as simple as that!

4.2. Promoting social justice and equality

Entrenched social injustice and power imbalances require every member of the community to become informed, open-minded, and actively engaged in broad-based efforts to create the public will for social change. This means citizens should work on both political and social levels to reduce inequality and promote the public good. There are a variety of ways in which citizens can work to promote social justice and combat inequality. On a personal level, one should educate themselves as fully as possible on issues of social justice and injustice. Making a commitment to understand and appreciate other cultures and to move out of a 'comfort zone' is also an important step. In the sphere of social justice, there are many different organizations that one can consider aligning themselves with. Voluntary associations and non-governmental organizations focused on a wide range of issues from racial equality to poverty. Through both education and actions, individual citizens have the power to advance social justice in their communities. Social justice will be achieved only when we have, as a society, a proper distribution of rights, respect, responsibilities, protection, and resources that ensure the ability of people to meaningfully participate in and contribute to the social, economic, and political lives of their communities. The opportunity to be active in making a difference in one's community and society can have profound effects on both the individual and the collective will to strive towards a society that provides fair opportunities and outcomes for all of its citizens. By promoting social justice and equality, and working to prevent injustice, citizens can effect positive change in their communities and enhance the lives of those around them. Through greater public awareness and pressure, the social and economic structures that maintain unfair conditions can be altered. Reforms can be put in place that will provide all citizens with the opportunity to make their lives, and the lives of others better. By focusing individual efforts within the larger context of organized movements for social change, citizens can help build a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to fully benefit and contribute. This is the ultimate goal of promoting social justice, and it is a goal well worth the effort.

4.3. Being environmentally conscious

Although being a contributing member of society can involve many things, one way that you can help to support the community is by being environmentally conscious. Being environmentally conscious means that you should live your life in a way that shows respect for the environment. The theory of this idea is that the things that we do now, in terms of using up the Earth's natural resources and the levels of pollution that we cause, will have an effect later. The polar ice caps are melting and weather patterns are changing. Sea levels are rising and whole areas of land are now becoming submerged in water. Some scientists believe that these are signs of the start of global warming. This is where the temperature of the planet rises because of the atmosphere being overloaded with carbon. The Earth could become hotter and hotter every year and climate all over the world could change. By living in an environmentally responsible manner, you are doing your bit to mitigate the effects of global warming. You can help by doing simple things in your day to day life such as using recycling bins and composting, avoiding the use of plastic bags and switching to using the seamless reusable bags, using energy saving light bulbs or using energy efficient appliances. Also you can volunteer to help clean up parks and rivers or by participating in recycling programs. These programs generally have a good community spirit as individuals work together with a common goal. It can work wonders for your sense of well-being and you get to meet a wide variety of people from different walks of life. Also, by making a society a better place to live, you can often lower crime rates and you will get better services and facilities. Adapting your lifestyle so that you are more respectful to the environment is easy with a few small changes but by teaching each other and raising awareness, the collective effort leads to a better place for all of us to live.

The impact of urban development on the environment: an analysis of 'el plano' in city planning.

1. Introduction Biological urbanism conceives the city as a large form, a bio-habitat that, like a natural substrate, is the support of an abundant life. The structure that underlies forms a base that can be called 'the floor'. The present work uses the concept 'terraces' of the Enric Granados Plan as a personification of lifeless floors, achieved through flat and abstract rationalism. The research establishes an analogy between the environmental impact of 'The Plan' and that of 'El Plano' with ...

El impacto del desarrollo urbano en la sostenibilidad ambiental a nivel global

1. Introducción Vivienda de doce mil años, la mayor y más conocida. "Un otro" que me resultó familiarizada con su experiencia y de un pueblo rural, pequeñito, con tres calles paralelas a la colina. Debo haber vivido allí una bola vidriada como de esas de "ojo de gato", que ascendía, con una banda de miles de cinco centímetros cada uno que lo habría felices videomaps, televisores orientación de su polvareda roja. Un otro animalito hecho con garra del mismísimo Señor en 1958, para otras cosas; or ...

La importancia del rescate de animales en peligro de extinción

1. Introducción La vida del planeta, ciertamente, está amenazada. Si algo deseamos desenmascarar cuanto antes, hagamos del rescate de animales en peligro de extinción las grandes fábulas de ejemplos e historias longevas. Merece la pena que asistamos de cerca. En un rincón donde aún no alcanzamos a hacernos del todo dueños, pero que sabemos compartido por un innumerable número de especies vistosas, avezadas y extraordinariamente dotadas. De igual manera, suele llamarse albacea de lo mejor de est ...

The Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: A Focus on Los Del Rios

1. Introduction to Climate Change and Biodiversity Climate change, also known as climate disruption, is extremely likely due to the influence of human activity in the last 150 years. It is fundamentally the result of the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, the cows' consumption of environmental resources, and indirectly many other activities. Among the most compelling climatic elements that are most likely changing are an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, the increase in the averag ...

Analyzing the Impact of Development Initiatives on Rural Communities

1. Introduction Improving the standard of living of the people of the world is one of the major challenges facing humanity today. A large majority of the people live in the rural areas of developing countries. Yet they are the poorest and the least powerful. As a result, there is consensus among individuals and countries that the first task should be to help meet the basic material needs of the world's poorest people. This will require a sustained effort to increase incomes earned from producti ...

The impact of urbanization on land use and its environmental consequences

1. Introduction Wide-ranging and often conflicting definitions have been used to describe urbanization. In the simplest terms, it refers to the movement of an economy and society towards urban centers. In ecological terms, however, "urbanization can be identified as that process that results in large-scale land transformation for the purpose of human settlement, industry, and infrastructure." Behavioral ecologists are often concerned only with the direct impact of human settlements on surroundi ...

The Impact of Volcanic Eruptions on Climate Change: A Case Study of Mount Pinatubo

1. Introduction The general perception regarding climate change is that it is mainly induced by man, particularly due to the increase in the release of greenhouse gases from activities such as industrialization and increasing use of fossil fuels. The impact of these activities has been recognized and has been receiving increasing attention in recent years, leading to a number of international protocols where countries are encouraged and required to control and/or reduce the levels of these gase ...

Análisis del caso de la contaminación ambiental en áreas urbanas

1. Introducción a la contaminación ambiental en áreas urbanas En el desarrollo de un tema de contaminación en general, se destaca este aspecto que deberá ser observado. En la medida que se relacione más directamente con un determinado tipo de contaminación específica, esas recomendaciones serán retomadas y detalladas en el capítulo correspondiente. Un enfoque descendente en la transmisión de la enfermedad se refiere a la liberación del agente contaminador y a su desplazamiento a las diferentes ...

How Can You Tell If You Are a Good Person?

Four virtues are the key. which do you possess.

Posted October 14, 2016 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

There are many ways to define what it means to be a good person. One definition of “good” is that you follow the rules — you don’t break the law, commit crimes, lie, or cheat.

Another way to determine who is a good person is to ask others — friends, family members, coworkers — people who know you and can “vouch” for your good qualities and character.

Another, more abstract, way to define goodness is that, at the end of your days, you leave the world a better place — you have done good deeds, saved lives (or souls), raised good children, made others happy, and the list goes on.

An approach that we’ve used in our research on “good” leaders stems from the ancient Greek philosophers and emphasizes character. According to Aristotle, there are four cardinal virtues that determine a person of good character. So, an easy way to get on the path to “goodness” is to practice the four virtues.

Here are the four cardinal virtues, their definitions, and how you can tell if you are leading a virtuous life.

1. Prudence. Another term for prudence is “ wisdom ,” but it involves being objective and reflective when deciding on courses of action. Prudent individuals learn to avoid making bad decisions. They value and learn from others. To assess how prudent you are, consider this:

Do you make life decisions by studying information, listening to the advice of trusted friends and relations, and “fact-checking?"
Do you choose courses of action that are based on what you “ought” to do? For example, would your parents approve of your course of action?

2. Temperance. This virtue focuses on moderation — not being too extreme. It involves controlling your passions and not acting out.

Do you manage your emotions, particularly the “dark” ones (i.e., anger , despair)?
Do you avoid the lure of power, wealth, and do you have good perspective on your own accomplishments (i.e., not have an overinflated ego)?

3. Justice. This virtue deals with being fair and respecting others.

Do you treat others fairly, giving them credit when credit is due?
Do you respect the rights of others? Do you treat others as you would want to be treated?

4. Fortitude (or Courage). This involves having the courage to stand up for what you believe in — to do the right thing.

Do you intervene when you see others being mistreated or abused?
Do you have the courage to take responsibility for your own mistakes and failures?
Do you have a moral compass that you follow and do you have the courage to do what that moral compass tells you to do?

Although our work involves trying to help leaders assess and build their character via the cardinal virtues, these are important for everyone, not just leaders. Moreover, parents should foster these virtues in themselves and in their children. Focusing on these virtues, checking your own behavior, and working to become more virtuous in all areas of life is the key to becoming a good person.

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Riggio, R.E., Zhu, W., Reina, C., & Maroosis, J. (2010). Virtue-based measurement of ethical leadership: The Leadership Virtues Questionnaire. Consulting Psychology Journal, 62(4), 235-250.

Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D. , is the Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology at Claremont McKenna College.

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How to Be a Better Person

We all want to be our best, but many people wonder if it's actually possible to become a better person once you're an adult. The answer is a resounding yes. There are always ways to improve yourself. This answer leads to more questions, however.

How can you improve yourself to be a better person? What is the easiest approach? And what are the most important aspects of self to work on? Taking into account your own well-being as well as the best interests of others, here are some of the most important ways to become a better person.

Let Go of Anger

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We all experience anger in our lives. Uncontrolled anger, however, can create problems in our relationships and even with our health. All of this can lead to more stress and additional problems, complicating life and keeping us from being our best selves. That's why learning to manage and eventually let go of anger is so important to becoming a better person.

Letting go of anger isn't always easy. But the first step is learning more about recognizing anger and knowing what to do when you feel angry in your life.

Recognizing anger is often simple if you make an effort to notice when you feel upset and decide to manage this feeling rather than denying it or lashing out at others as a way of coping. Focus on noticing when you feel angry and why, and know that there is a difference between feeling angry and acting on that anger. Then, know your options.

You can change your beliefs about what is making you angry. This can work by learning more about the situation, or even reminding yourself there may be things you don't know yet.

Remind yourself that maybe that person who cut you off in traffic was distracted by something challenging in their own life. If a friend seems to be rude to you, inquire about how their day is going and find out if there's more that you don't know.

You can also focus on what your "anger triggers" are, and eliminate them as possible. For example, if you find yourself becoming frustrated and angry when you have to rush, work on making more space in your schedule (even if it means saying "no" a little more), and try to eliminate that trigger. If a certain person makes you angry, try to limit their role in your life if it doesn't work to talk things out with them first.

It's also important to learn to let go of grudges and residual anger from each day. Don't wake up holding a grudge from the night before if you can help it. Focus on forgiveness , even if it means you don't let someone who wronged you continue to have an important role in your life. When you stay in the present moment as much as possible, this becomes easier.

Practicing stress relievers like meditation can also help you to let go of anger. Focus on releasing the hold that the past may have on you. Put your attention to the current moment and it becomes easier to avoid rumination and stay in a good place.

Support Others

Helping others may seem like an obvious route to becoming a better person. We often think of "good people" as those who are willing to sacrifice for others. This, in the minds of many, is what makes a person "good." However, good deeds can also make us better people because of the connection between altruism and emotional well-being.

According to research, it just may be true that it's better to give than to receive. So while you may feel too stressed and busy to extend help to others when it's not absolutely necessary, expanding your ability to focus on the needs of others can really help you as well. It’s true: Altruism is its own reward and can actually help you relieve stress.

Studies show that altruism is good for your emotional well-being and can measurably enhance your peace of mind.

For example, one study found that dialysis patients, transplant patients, and family members who became support volunteers for other patients experienced increased personal growth and emotional well-being.

Another study on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) showed that those who offered other MS patients peer support actually experienced greater benefits than their supported peers, including more pronounced improvement of confidence, self-awareness , self-esteem , depression, and daily functioning. Those who offered support generally found that their lives were dramatically changed for the better.

In addition to making the world a better place, exercising your altruism can make you a happier, more compassionate person. Because there are so many ways to express altruism, this is a simple route to being a better person, one that is available to all of us every day. This is good news indeed.

Leverage Your Strengths

Losing track of time when you’re absorbed in fulfilling work or another engaging activity, or what psychologists refer to as " flow ," is a familiar state for most of us. Flow is what happens when you get deeply involved in a hobby, in learning a new skill or subject, or in engaging in activities that supply just the right mix of challenge and ease.

When we feel too challenged, we feel stressed. When things are too easy, we may become bored—either way, finding the sweet spot between these two extremes keeps us engaged in a very good way.

You can experience flow by writing, dancing, creating, or absorbing new material that you can teach others.

What may bring you to that state of being may be challenging for others, and vice versa. Think about when you find yourself in this state most often, and try doing more of that.

The state of flow is a good indicator of whether an activity is right for you. When you're in a state of flow, you're leveraging your strengths, and this turns out to be great for your emotional health and happiness. It's also a very positive thing for the rest of the world because your strengths can usually be used to help others in some way.

When you learn enough about yourself to know what your best strengths are and find out how to use them for the benefit of others, you're on your way to being a better person, and a happier one as well.

Use the "Stages of Change" Model

Ask yourself: If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see in your future? Ignoring the ideas of how you’ll get there, vividly imagine your ideal life, and what would be included in it.

Take a few minutes to list, on paper or on your computer, the changes and goals that would be included in this picture. Be specific about what you want. It’s okay if you want something that you seemingly have no control over, such as a mate who is perfect for you. Just write it down.

You may follow the lead of many businesses and have a one-year, five-year, and 10-year plan for your life. (It doesn’t have to be a set-in-stone plan , but a list of wishes and goals.) Keeping in mind what you hope for in your future can help you feel less stuck in the stressful parts of your present life, and help you see more options for change as they present themselves.

There are several ways to focus on change, but the stages of change model can lead you to your best self perhaps more easily than many other paths. This model of change can be adapted to whatever mindset you have right now and can work for most people.

The Stages of Change Model

Precontemplation : Ignoring the problem
Contemplation : Aware of the problem
Preparation : Getting ready to change
Action : Taking direct action toward the goal
Maintenance : Maintaining new behavior
Relapse : Reaffirm your goal and commitment to change

One of the most important parts of this route to change is that you don't push yourself to make changes before you're ready, and you don't give up if you find yourself backsliding—it's a forgivable and even expected part of the process of change. Understanding this plan for making changes can help you to be a better person in whatever ways you choose.

Press Play for Advice on Creating Change

This episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to use the six stages of change to apply them to your own process of change. Click below to listen now.

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Take Care of Yourself

Stígur Már Karlsson / Heimsmyndir / Getty Images

You may not always have control over the circumstances you face. But you can control how well you take care of yourself, which can affect your stress levels and enable you to grow as a person when you face life's challenges.

Self-care is vital for building resilience when facing unavoidable stressors for several reasons. When you're tired, eating poorly, or generally run down, you will likely be more reactive to the stress you face in your life. You can even end up creating more problems for yourself by reacting poorly rather than responding from a place of calm inner strength.

Conversely, when you're taking good care of yourself (both your physical and mental health ), you can be more thoughtfully engaged with whatever comes, use the resources you have in your life, and grow from the challenges you face, rather than merely surviving them.

Taking proper care of your body, soul, and mind can keep you in optimum shape for handling stress. That gives you added resilience to manage those challenges in life that we all face, as well as those that may be unique to you.

Basics of Self-Care

In terms of self-care strategies , there are several that can help, but some of the most important aspects of self-care include the basics:

Connection with others

Sleep is important for your emotional and physical well-being because too little or poor quality sleep can leave you feeling more stressed and less able to brainstorm solutions to problems you face. Lack of sleep can take a toll on your body as well, both in the short term and in the long run. Poor sleep can even affect your weight.

The same is true with poor nutrition. A poor diet can leave you feeling bloated and tired, and can add extra pounds over time. You need the right fuel to face life's challenges, but when stress hits, it's often the unhealthy food we crave.

Social Connections

Feeling connected to others can help you feel more resilient. Good friends can help you to process negative emotions, brainstorm solutions, and get your mind off your problems when necessary. It's sometimes challenging to find time for friends when you have a busy, stressful life, but our friends often make us better people both with their support and their inspiration.

Finally, it is important to take a little time for yourself. This can mean journaling and meditation, or it can come in the form of exercise or even watching re-runs at home. This is particularly important for introverts , but everyone needs some time to themselves, at least sometimes.

Learn to Be User-Friendly

Our relationships can create a haven from stress, and help us to become better people at the same time. They can also be a significant source of stress when there is conflict that is resolved poorly or left to fester. The beauty of this is that as we do the work it takes to become a better friend, partner, and family member, it can also be a path to becoming a better person.

To improve your relationships and yourself, learn conflict resolution skills. These skills include being a good listener, understanding the other side when you are in conflict, and anger management techniques .

These things can help us be better versions of ourselves. They can also minimize the stress we experience in relationships, making these relationships stronger. Close relationships usually provide plenty of opportunities to practice these skills as you work on improving them, so you can perhaps even appreciate the opportunities when they arise and feel less upset.

Mental Health Foundation. Cool down: Anger and how to deal with it .

Post SG. Altruism, happiness, and health: It's good to be good . Int J Behav Med . 2005;12(2):66-77. doi:10.1207/s15327558ijbm1202_4

Cheron G. How to measure the psychological "flow"? A neuroscience perspective . Front Psychol . 2016;7:1823. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01823

Sadler-Gerhardt CJ, Stevenson DL. When it all hits the fan: Helping counselors build resilience and avoid burnout . American Counseling Association VISTAS 2012(1).

National Sleep Foundation. How much sleep do we really need?

By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Being a Good Person — Attributes of a Good Person

Attributes of a Good Person

Categories: Being a Good Person

About this sample

Words: 1044 |

Published: Dec 12, 2018

Words: 1044 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Person?

Works cited.

Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193-209.
Batson, C. D., Ahmad, N., & Tsang, J. (2002). Four motives for community involvement. Journal of Social Issues, 58(3), 429-445.
Baumeister, R. F., & Exline, J. J. (2000). Virtue, personality, and social relations: Self-control as the moral muscle. Journal of Personality, 68(6), 1165-1194.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
Eisenbeiss, S. A., Knippenberg, D. V., & Boerner, S. (2008). Transformational leadership and team innovation: Integrating team climate principles. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93(6), 1438-1446.
Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297-314.
Leary, M. R., Twenge, J. M., & Quinlivan, E. (2006). Interpersonal rejection as a determinant of anger and aggression. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(2), 111-132.
Roberts, B. W., Kuncel, N. R., Shiner, R., Caspi, A., & Goldberg, L. R. (2007). The power of personality: The comparative validity of personality traits, socioeconomic status, and cognitive ability for predicting important life outcomes. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2(4), 313-345.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Staub, E. (2001). The roots of goodness: The fulfillment of basic human needs and the development of caring, helping, and nonaggression, inclusive caring, moral courage, active bystandership, and altruism born of suffering. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 5(4), 388-394.

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How To Be A Good Person And Why It Matters

What makes a person a “good” person? Should we strive to be good—and if so, why? If you asked twenty people what it means to be a good person, chances are you would get twenty different answers. What individuals perceive to be good character traits can vary depending on several factors. Religion, culture, and family dynamics, for example, can all play a part in forming one's viewpoint on a topic like this.

Note that human beings are complex and that sorting all people into the strict binary of “good” or “bad” is generally not possible or particularly helpful. Attempting to do so can even result in distorted thinking, which can sometimes lead to mental health concerns like low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Here, we’ll use being a “good” person as a general term that refers to behaving in ways that are broadly considered to be considerate and kind, but it can be helpful to keep in mind the deep nuances of a topic like morality .

What is goodness?

The word "good" is defined by Merriam-Webster as "virtuous, right and commendable; kind and benevolent." Henry David Thoreau was quoted as saying, "Goodness is the only investment that never fails."

A “good” person often has certain habits or characteristics that reflect their efforts to be a considerate individual who avoids harming others. While, again, these can vary from person to person and culture to culture, a few general examples of these traits can include the following.

The empathy definition in psychology is the ability to emotionally understand another person's feelings by imagining yourself in their position. An empathetic person tends to be able to express an understanding of how others feel and treat them accordingly.

An individual who wants to be a good person might also strive to be honest with themselves and others. Dishonesty can damage trust between two people and potentially lead to distance or conflict within a relationship.

Someone who practices the principle of fairness might aim to be aware of their biases and avoid letting those negatively affect others. This could manifest as a belief in justice or equality, for example.

Responsibility

Responsibility or accountability for one’s actions is also considered by many to be a sign of a good person. It usually involves an effort to make decisions that aren’t harmful to others and to take ownership of them if they are.

Why being a good person matters

One’s motivation for being “good” can vary widely. Research suggests that altruism—or the act of showing selfless concern for the well-being of others—is a uniquely human trait, of which there are many examples. Biologically, evolutionarily, or on some other level, many may feel generally driven to be kind and not harmful—a trait that many people equate with being a good person.

However, there are many other complex factors that go into how humans decide to behave, and our actions can have effects on many areas of our lives. If you’re in the process of deciding what values you want to live by, you might consider some of these potential outcomes of who you may choose to be.

Effects on your career and opportunities

Your actions and behaviors help build your reputation which, among many other factors, can help to create the opportunities you encounter in life. Behaving in ways that are generally respectful of others may help others develop a positive opinion of you. This could lead to benefits in your career and other opportunities that may help you achieve what you’re looking for in life.

Effects on relationships

The way we behave can also impact how others see us and relate to us, which can affect our relationships overall. For instance, many people are looking for friends and romantic partners who are “good” people in that they’re honest, caring, respectful, etc. People who are looking for healthy, supportive relationships often tend to seek out others who make them feel safe rather than uneasy or disrespected.

Feeling a sense of purpose

Deciding on a set of values that you want to live by and then sticking to them as best you can may help give you a direction and a purpose in life. This may even correlate with less loneliness and better overall health.

Seeking support related to being a good person

The idea of being a “good” person can affect a person’s mental health in a variety of ways. For instance, a person might have trouble coping with mistakes they’ve made in the past and how they may have affected those around them. Or, they could hold themselves to an impossible standard of perfection , which could lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. If you’re looking for support in discovering your values or changing the way you relate to morality , a therapist may be able to help.

If you’re interested in therapy but prefer to receive this type of care from the comfort of home, you might try online therapy. In one study published in World Psychiatry, researchers examined the effectiveness of online therapy in treating a wide range of mental health disorders. Their research indicates that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face counseling in many cases, which reflects the similar findings of other studies as well. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging. See below for client reviews of BetterHelp counselors.

Counselor reviews

"Michal has been very supportive. Her techniques are very handy and have really helped me switch my negative thoughts to positive ones. Looking forward to learning more from her to become a better version of myself. Thank you Michal."

"Krysten has been an immense help in dealing with and confronting my anger and depression issues. I started to notice immediate changes in my general disposition within a week of working with her. My friends and family have even said I seem less bitter and jaded. And the fact that I can communicate with her frequently has done wonders in keeping me on track and progressing forward. My time working with Krysten and being on BetterHelp has been a positive experience and done much more for me than traditional in-office therapy ever did."

How can you become a good person?

There isn’t a consistent definition of what makes a good person. Even rules that seem constant and rigid, like “Good people don’t hurt others,” can become flexible under the right conditions. For instance, most humans condemn murder and believe it is morally wrong, yet there are often exceptions that allow for taking a life in the case of self-defense or during war.

Deciding what makes you a good person requires understanding your moral identity . What do you believe to be morally right? When can the rules be bent or broken? Do small actions, like holding the door open for someone, make you a good person, or does it take a more substantial effort, like volunteering for charity work?

Becoming a good person means understanding your moral code and improving yourself until your actions consistently reflect your values. While that journey is different for everybody, there are some common tips that may help you:

Don’t make excuses. Becoming a good person is a personal responsibility, and no one can achieve your goal besides you. Be wary of pointing the finger at others; becoming a good person often means examining your mistakes and making peace with your shortcomings.
Use honest and direct communication. Lies and deception are rarely seen as traits kind people possess. Learn to articulate your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.
Help others. Take time to assist others when you can; helping others through tough times will likely improve your reputation and self-perception. Good deeds and kindness are commonly considered a foundational part of being a good person.
Become a good listener. Knowing how to listen actively can make it easier for you to understand and empathize with others. Empathy is commonly associated with goodness, and demonstrating empathy is likely an important skill to have.
Always be respectful . Your words and actions should always demonstrate respect for the people around you and the environment that you’re in. Take time to learn how to control your negative emotions. You don’t have to agree with everything or appease everyone, but even when disagreeing, you should maintain a respectful tone and demeanor.

What is the point of being a good person?

Philosophers have debated the reasons for being a good person for centuries. Today, there are several philosophical and sociological arguments that justify good behavior. One of the longest-running unsettled arguments is the egoism/altruism debate . The egoism/altruism debate examines what motivates humans to be good to each other.

The altruism side of the argument asserts that humans have an intrinsic drive to help others. The existence of an empathetic connection between humans supports the altruism argument. For example, if a person comes across someone who is injured, they are likely to try to assist them, probably because they empathize with their position. In the altruism argument, empathy motivates good and helpful behavior, allowing for self-sacrifice with no prospect of receiving a reward .

In contrast, the egoism argument suggests that people tend to be motivated to help others for self-serving reasons. It may elevate their status in society, make it more likely they can receive help from others, or put others in their debt. Furthermore, some proponents of the egoist perspective assert that even when someone helps another with no intention of a reward, the warm feeling of satisfaction that commonly comes after helping someone else may serve as its own reward. From an egoist perspective, helping behavior is inherently self-serving, no matter whether an external reward is expected.

How do you feel like a good person?

Feeling like a good person is often related to self-improvement and self-acceptance. You will likely feel good when your behaviors align with your core values. No matter what your exact definition of a “good person” may be, if your actions match your beliefs, you will likely feel like a good person.

You may want to consider building your self-esteem and recognizing your strengths. You likely have much to offer the world around you, and recognizing your inherent goodness can help you feel better about yourself. Self-examination may also be helpful. Taking time to analyze your understanding of what is morally right may offer insight into how you can be a good person on your terms.

How can I be a better person and happy?

Self-improvement is likely one of the most critical steps toward becoming happier. People with good personalities who understand their place in the world and surround themselves with a support network tend to be much happier than those who do not reach those goals. Achieving those goals requires committing to self-improvement and growth. It requires a willingness to examine your moral identity and develop an understanding of how you conceptualize the difference between good and bad.

Many people begin by identifying their strengths and improving their self-esteem . You likely have strengths to offer, and utilizing your natural strengths can make becoming a better person much easier. Early in your self-improvement process, you should decide on reasonable goals that will continually make you a better person. Goal-setting can be challenging ; it is important that you stay within your limits and grow into a better person at a reasonable pace.

How can I improve myself every day?

Committing to daily positive change is likely a worthwhile goal. Improving yourself daily lets you take small steps towards a larger personal goal. Many people find setting both long-term and short-term goals to be helpful. Long-term goals should represent relatively large aspirations related to your self-improvement, and short-term goals should represent steps you can take to achieve your larger goals.

Ensuring that your long-term and short-term goals are reasonably achievable is important. Your goals shouldn’t take so little effort that you don’t have to work to attain them, but they shouldn’t be so hard that you risk burnout trying to accomplish them. Appropriately balancing your goals is likely to help you stay on track and motivated as you incorporate daily self-improvement into your life.

How can I change myself to be better?

Bettering yourself requires time, effort, and dedication. When you set goals and work toward them, you are physically changing the pathways in your brain , which requires consistent effort and repetition. If you are trying to rid yourself of bad habits or develop better ones, you may need to commit days, weeks, or months to the process. That is why choosing achievable goals is so important; if you go too long without reaching a goal, you may experience depleted willpower and burnout.

When deciding your goals and how you want to achieve them, it may be helpful to study your successes. You likely have many strengths you can leverage on your self-improvement journey, some of which you may not realize you have. Consider paying close attention to the positive feedback you receive from others.

Reflect on what strengths are apparent and how you can use those good qualities to achieve your goals. If feedback from others in your life is sparse, consider asking those around you for feedback directly. Don’t expect everything to be positive; you should be prepared for some (hopefully constructive) criticism. You can reflect on the criticism, too, especially if it conflicts with your goals, but be sure to come back around to the positive.

How do I get better at something?

No matter what skill you are trying to develop, getting better at something requires willpower and persistence. Self-improvement requires actions that physically change your brain as your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors change. Sticking to your goals is arguably the most challenging part of getting better at something, especially at the beginning of the process.

Here are some basic steps to help you remain committed to your self-improvement journey:

Develop a growth mindset. A person with a growth mindset sees failure as a necessary part of success. You may want to work on accepting the trials and tribulations of personal growth. Doing so may make it easier to avoid burnout and stay committed to your goals.
Develop refined goals. Goals that are too broad (e.g., “I want to get better”) are difficult to achieve. It is important that your goals be attainable . Each time you achieve one of your goals, the reward center in your brain reinforces the behavior that got you there. Refined goals are balanced; they aren’t so easy that you don’t have to work to achieve them and aren’t so hard that you burn out trying to attain them.
Keep your focus. It is easy to get distracted from whatever improvement goals you have. Vices and bad habits are potential distractions, but so are the demands of daily life. Other people’s poor behavior can distract you as well. Consider learning to forgive people quickly, for your sake, instead of theirs. Make sure you are reminding yourself of your goals and tracking your progress daily.
Maintain accountability. Monitoring your progress towards your goals lets you analyze how your journey is coming along. If there are areas where you are struggling to progress, take time to figure out where the challenges are and how you can overcome them. Take responsibility for your own progress; only you can make yourself a better person.

How do you keep growing in life?

Consistent personal growth requires dedication and commitment. As you become a better person, you will need to identify new growth areas and goals to move forward. It is likely prudent to engage in self-evaluation regularly. Take time to learn yourself, understand your moral identity , and determine which goals you should set next in your improvement journey.

It may also be helpful to seek feedback from others. Friends, family, and coworkers can all be valuable sources of insight into your strengths and weaknesses. When seeking feedback from others, ask that they be open and honest with you. This means that you will need to prepare yourself to receive negative as well as positive feedback. Although criticism can be unpleasant - even if it’s constructive - listening to negative feedback can help illustrate areas for personal development, while positive improvement-oriented feedback is likely to improve your performance overall.

Overcoming Hopelessness: Tips To Help You Feel Better Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson , MA, LCSW
Do's and don'ts: Addressing a loved one’s hoarding disorder Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox , NCC, LPC
Relationships and Relations

Personal Characteristics Essay: Top Examples and Tips for Successful Writing

Looking to write a compelling personal characteristics essay? Our article offers top examples and tips for successful writing.

Posted August 18, 2023

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When it comes to writing a personal characteristics essay, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that your essay stands out from the rest. This type of essay requires you to talk about your personal traits and characteristics and how they have shaped your life experiences and decisions. Writing a personal characteristics essay can be daunting, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can craft an impressive essay that leaves a lasting impression.

Understanding the Purpose of a Personal Characteristics Essay

Before diving into the writing process, it's essential to understand the purpose of a personal characteristics essay. The purpose of this type of essay is to showcase your unique qualities and characteristics, which makes you stand out from the rest. It's an opportunity for the reader to gain insight into your personality and the way you think. Your essay should not only provide a description of your traits but also demonstrate how they influence your actions and decisions.

Additionally, a personal characteristics essay can also serve as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Through the process of writing about your traits and how they have impacted your life, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your values. This type of essay can also help you identify areas for improvement and set goals for personal development.

How to Choose a Topic for Your Personal Characteristics Essay

Choosing the right topic for your personal characteristics essay is crucial. You want to select a topic that not only reflects your personality but also allows you to showcase your writing skills. Start by brainstorming a list of traits and characteristics that define you. From there, select a topic that highlights one or two of these traits. Think about a situation that showcases these traits and how you overcame a challenge or learned a valuable lesson.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a topic for your personal characteristics essay is your audience. Think about who will be reading your essay and what they might be interested in learning about you. Consider selecting a topic that is relatable and relevant to your audience, while still highlighting your unique qualities.

It's also important to remember that your personal characteristics essay should not just be a list of traits or accomplishments. Instead, focus on telling a story that illustrates your personality and how it has shaped your experiences and perspectives. Choose a topic that allows you to delve deeper into your personal journey and share insights that will resonate with your readers.

Brainstorming Techniques for Your Personal Characteristics Essay

Brainstorming is an essential step in the writing process. It allows you to generate ideas and make connections between them. Try using mind maps or free-writing to get your ideas down on paper. You might also consider asking friends or family members what they think your most prominent traits are to get an outside perspective.

Another effective technique for brainstorming your personal characteristics essay is to reflect on your past experiences and how they have shaped you. Think about challenges you have faced and how you overcame them, or moments of success and how they have contributed to your personal growth. These experiences can provide valuable insight into your character and help you identify key traits to highlight in your essay.

The Importance of Organizing Your Thoughts and Ideas

Once you've generated your ideas, it's time to organize them. Start by creating an outline that includes the main points you want to make in your essay. Your outline should also include the introduction, body, and conclusion sections of your essay. Organizing your thoughts and ideas will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary points in your essay.

Moreover, organizing your thoughts and ideas can also help you identify any gaps in your argument or areas where you need to do more research. By creating an outline, you can see where you need to add more information or examples to support your points. This can help you create a more well-rounded and convincing essay.

Additionally, organizing your thoughts and ideas can also help you save time in the long run. When you have a clear outline to follow, you can write your essay more efficiently and effectively. You won't waste time trying to figure out what to write next or how to structure your essay. Instead, you can focus on writing high-quality content that supports your thesis statement and engages your readers.

Tips for Writing a Strong Introduction to Your Essay

The introduction to your essay is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Your introduction should grab the reader's attention and entice them to keep reading. Consider starting with a hook, such as a quote, an anecdote, or a question. Your introduction should also include your thesis statement, which outlines the main point of your essay.

In addition to a hook and thesis statement, your introduction should also provide some background information on the topic you are writing about. This can help to contextualize your essay and give the reader a better understanding of the subject matter. However, be careful not to include too much information in your introduction, as it can become overwhelming and detract from the main point of your essay.

The Art of Developing a Compelling Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should be concise and clear. It should provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. Think about the main point you want to make and how you plan on supporting it throughout your essay. Make sure your thesis statement is arguable and specific.

Supporting Your Claims with Relevant Examples and Evidence

To make your essay more compelling, you should back up your claims and arguments with relevant examples and evidence. This will help your reader understand the extent of your personal qualities and how they have impacted your life experiences. Make sure to include specific examples from your life that illustrate the qualities you're discussing in your essay.

One effective way to provide evidence for your claims is to use statistics or data that support your argument. For example, if you're writing an essay about the benefits of exercise, you could include statistics about the number of people who have improved their health through regular exercise. This will add credibility to your argument and make it more convincing.

Another way to support your claims is to use expert opinions or quotes from reputable sources. This can help to strengthen your argument and show that you have done your research on the topic. Be sure to properly cite any sources you use in your essay.

The Power of Descriptive Writing: Painting a Vivid Picture with Words

Descriptive writing is a powerful tool that can be used to paint a vivid picture of your experiences and personality in your essay. Use sensory details to help your reader visualize your experiences. Consider incorporating metaphors or similes to make your writing more interesting and engaging.

Adding Depth and Complexity to Your Essay through Analysis and Reflection

Analysis and reflection are essential elements of an outstanding personal characteristics essay. Once you have described your traits and experiences, you should analyze how they have contributed to your personal growth and development. Reflection is also important as it allows you to consider how you might apply your characteristics to future situations.

The Benefits of Peer Review and Collaboration in Essay Writing

Collaborating with others can be immensely helpful in refining your essay. You might consider having a friend or family member review your essay and provide feedback. Peer review can help you identify areas where your essay needs improvement and provide suggestions for how to improve it.

Strategies for Effective Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading are crucial steps in the writing process. Once you have completed your essay, take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Make sure to also check that your essay flows logically and that your arguments are well-supported.

Addressing Common Pitfalls in Personal Characteristics Essays

One common pitfall in personal characteristics essays is focusing too much on describing your traits instead of analyzing how they have impacted your life experiences. Another common pitfall is using cliches or generic language instead of making your essay unique and interesting. Be sure to avoid these pitfalls to ensure your essay stands out.

Using Keywords and Meta Tags to Optimize Your Essay for Search Engines

If you plan on publishing your essay online, you might consider optimizing it for search engines such as Google. This involves using keywords and meta tags in your essay that will help it appear higher in search results. Be sure to research the most popular keywords related to your topic and include them strategically in your essay.

Crafting an Impressive Conclusion that Leaves a Lasting Impression

Finally, your conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader. Summarize your main points and reiterate your thesis statement. Think about what you want your reader to take away from your essay. Consider ending with a call to action or a memorable quote.

Writing a personal characteristics essay can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can craft an impressive essay that showcases your unique qualities and characteristics. By following the tips outlined above, you'll be well on your way to writing a successful personal characteristics essay that leaves a lasting impression.

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How to Write the Perfect Essay

06 Feb, 2024 | Blog Articles , English Language Articles , Get the Edge , Humanities Articles , Writing Articles

Student sitting at a desk writing in a notebook

You can keep adding to this plan, crossing bits out and linking the different bubbles when you spot connections between them. Even though you won’t have time to make a detailed plan under exam conditions, it can be helpful to draft a brief one, including a few key words, so that you don’t panic and go off topic when writing your essay.

If you don’t like the mind map format, there are plenty of others to choose from: you could make a table, a flowchart, or simply a list of bullet points.

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Thanks for signing up, step 2: have a clear structure.

Think about this while you’re planning: your essay is like an argument or a speech. It needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question.

Start with the basics! It’s best to choose a few major points which will become your main paragraphs. Three main paragraphs is a good number for an exam essay, since you’ll be under time pressure.

If you agree with the question overall, it can be helpful to organise your points in the following pattern:

YES (agreement with the question)
AND (another YES point)
BUT (disagreement or complication)

If you disagree with the question overall, try:

AND (another BUT point)

For example, you could structure the Of Mice and Men sample question, “To what extent is Curley’s wife portrayed as a victim in Of Mice and Men ?”, as follows:

YES (descriptions of her appearance)
AND (other people’s attitudes towards her)
BUT (her position as the only woman on the ranch gives her power as she uses her femininity to her advantage)

If you wanted to write a longer essay, you could include additional paragraphs under the YES/AND categories, perhaps discussing the ways in which Curley’s wife reveals her vulnerability and insecurities, and shares her dreams with the other characters. Alternatively, you could also lengthen your essay by including another BUT paragraph about her cruel and manipulative streak.

Of course, this is not necessarily the only right way to answer this essay question – as long as you back up your points with evidence from the text, you can take any standpoint that makes sense.

Step 3: Back up your points with well-analysed quotations

You wouldn’t write a scientific report without including evidence to support your findings, so why should it be any different with an essay? Even though you aren’t strictly required to substantiate every single point you make with a quotation, there’s no harm in trying.

A close reading of your quotations can enrich your appreciation of the question and will be sure to impress examiners. When selecting the best quotations to use in your essay, keep an eye out for specific literary techniques. For example, you could highlight Curley’s wife’s use of a rhetorical question when she says, a”n’ what am I doin’? Standin’ here talking to a bunch of bindle stiffs.” This might look like:

The rhetorical question “an’ what am I doin’?” signifies that Curley’s wife is very insecure; she seems to be questioning her own life choices. Moreover, she does not expect anyone to respond to her question, highlighting her loneliness and isolation on the ranch.

Other literary techniques to look out for include:

Tricolon – a group of three words or phrases placed close together for emphasis
Tautology – using different words that mean the same thing: e.g. “frightening” and “terrifying”
Parallelism – ABAB structure, often signifying movement from one concept to another
Chiasmus – ABBA structure, drawing attention to a phrase
Polysyndeton – many conjunctions in a sentence
Asyndeton – lack of conjunctions, which can speed up the pace of a sentence
Polyptoton – using the same word in different forms for emphasis: e.g. “done” and “doing”
Alliteration – repetition of the same sound, including assonance (similar vowel sounds), plosive alliteration (“b”, “d” and “p” sounds) and sibilance (“s” sounds)
Anaphora – repetition of words, often used to emphasise a particular point

Don’t worry if you can’t locate all of these literary devices in the work you’re analysing. You can also discuss more obvious techniques, like metaphor, simile and onomatopoeia. It’s not a problem if you can’t remember all the long names; it’s far more important to be able to confidently explain the effects of each technique and highlight its relevance to the question.

Step 4: Be creative and original throughout

Anyone can write an essay using the tips above, but the thing that really makes it “perfect” is your own unique take on the topic. If you’ve noticed something intriguing or unusual in your reading, point it out – if you find it interesting, chances are the examiner will too!

Creative writing and essay writing are more closely linked than you might imagine. Keep the idea that you’re writing a speech or argument in mind, and you’re guaranteed to grab your reader’s attention.

It’s important to set out your line of argument in your introduction, introducing your main points and the general direction your essay will take, but don’t forget to keep something back for the conclusion, too. Yes, you need to summarise your main points, but if you’re just repeating the things you said in your introduction, the body of the essay is rendered pointless.

Think of your conclusion as the climax of your speech, the bit everything else has been leading up to, rather than the boring plenary at the end of the interesting stuff.

To return to Of Mice and Men once more, here’s an example of the ideal difference between an introduction and a conclusion:

Introduction

In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men , Curley’s wife is portrayed as an ambiguous character. She could be viewed either as a cruel, seductive temptress or a lonely woman who is a victim of her society’s attitudes. Though she does seem to wield a form of sexual power, it is clear that Curley’s wife is largely a victim. This interpretation is supported by Steinbeck’s description of her appearance, other people’s attitudes, her dreams, and her evident loneliness and insecurity.

Overall, it is clear that Curley’s wife is a victim and is portrayed as such throughout the novel in the descriptions of her appearance, her dreams, other people’s judgemental attitudes, and her loneliness and insecurities. However, a character who was a victim and nothing else would be one-dimensional and Curley’s wife is not. Although she suffers in many ways, she is shown to assert herself through the manipulation of her femininity – a small rebellion against the victimisation she experiences.

Both refer back consistently to the question and summarise the essay’s main points. However, the conclusion adds something new which has been established in the main body of the essay and complicates the simple summary which is found in the introduction.

Hannah is an undergraduate English student at Somerville College, University of Oxford, and has a particular interest in postcolonial literature and the Gothic. She thinks literature is a crucial way of developing empathy and learning about the wider world. When she isn’t writing about 17th-century court masques, she enjoys acting, travelling and creative writing.

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How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

Catch your reader’s attention.
Give background on your topic.
Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

Braille was an extremely important invention.
The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.

The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

Historical, geographical, or social context
An outline of the debate you’re addressing
A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

Argumentative
Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

It gives your writing direction and focus.
It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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Literary Analysis of “Good People” by David Foster Wallace Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Big ideas at work, what the story says about human nature, the moral of the story, works cited.

A literary analysis comprises a critical appraisal of the techniques used by an author to send out a message to their audience. Therefore, it looks at the forms of literature styles that the author has integrated to initiate the desired appeals to their audience. On that account, Good People by David Foster Wallace, first published in print in the New Yorker Magazine on 5 th February 2007, embraces various forms of literary approaches, including allusion, notable themes, conflicts, and a five-point plot sequence, to dig deep into the characters’ feelings and enable the readers to empathize with their immediate situation. Thus, the following essay details a literary analysis of “Good People” suggesting that the author achieved his purpose of engaging the reader all through since the story is enticing.

Good People by Wallace is based on a Christian couple that is experiencing one of the most difficult moments in their lives because of a simple mistake with outcomes and reparations that go against their moral standards. The author adopts a five-point plot sequence to expose his readers to the tension the characters experience in their situation and the weight of the choices they are about to make on their conscience. Subsequently, the author adopts a climax characterized by intense feelings and personal reflections of the characters and their ambitions in life (Clark 399). According to Wallace, both Lane and Sheri have high hopes for their lives, come from a strict Christian background, and plan for a bright future. Sadly, they faced an unwanted pregnancy with plans to abort the child (Wallace). Nevertheless, Sheri decided to keep it, thus presenting the plot’s resolution.

Subsequently, the author adopts unique literary and characterization approaches to usher the readers into the conflicts experienced by the characters. First, the plot takes a minor first-person approach to storytelling since the narrator is a character in the background of the story (Grimsman 1508). However, the author tells the story in a way that reflects the characters’ thinking and reasoning, allowing him to share complex imagery and deep thoughts of the characters as they struggle to make the final decision. Nonetheless, the main reason the characters are in conflict is not uncovered until the story progresses. Thus, the foreshadowing allows the reader to question the narrator’s intentions and the main lessons of his story.

The main themes presented in the story are love, conflict, religion, and individuals’ morality, representing literary aspects of naturalism, romanticism, and classicism. Naturalism is a belief that nothing exists beyond nature. Consequently, the story is based on natural human experiences and the potential reparations of human actions. After engaging in premarital sex, Sheri got pregnant and was obligated to face the implications of her misdeeds (Wallace). However, the story strongly presents classicism as the characters highly regard their traditions and religious backgrounds (Clark 402). The couple believes that an unwanted pregnancy will disgrace their families and introduce setbacks in their lives. Moreover, they value their education and the tenets of starting a family, thus introducing challenges in accepting their fate.

One of the main lessons from the story about human nature is people’s high levels of indecisiveness. Although the author incorporated romanticism, complex human emotions, and the theme of love in the story, none of the characters was sure that they wanted to engage with their situation. Despite both characters’ desire to abort the baby, they are not contented with their decision, which substantially impacts their ability to make a choice (Clark 406). Moreover, Lane was not completely sure that he loved Sheri but could not disclose this information to her for fear of how she would react (Wallace). Thus, the author reveals that human nature is characterized by uncertainties that limit human advancement.

Good People is a story that sheds light on the issues individuals experience in life due to judgment by society and stereotyping. The characters in the story share passionate moments, suggesting that they have feelings for each other. Moreover, they have the potential to succeed in life despite dealing with early pregnancy because they are both educated and can take care of a child together. Sadly, they live in constant fear of their family members’ and individuals’ opinions when they realize the truth (Boswell 48). However, Sheri is strong and decides to keep the child and face the lash of society. As a result, the author urges the audience to contemplate whether they make decisions due to societal pressures or based on their moral standing.

Good People is an exciting reading because it fully engages its audience to empathize with the conflicts presented in the story and the characters’ experience due to their mistakes. The author adopts several literary styles, including the themes of love, human relationships, culture, and religion to bring out the plot’s appeal. However, he also incorporates storytelling techniques that allow him to carefully build up a climax and resolve the characters’ issues. Through the story, the audience learns that actions may not always have the best outcomes. However, the decision on how to proceed depends on an individual and their morality. Thus, it is crucial to satisfy one’s self instead of paying attention to societal opinions.

Boswell, Marshall. Understanding David Foster Wallace . Univ of South Carolina Press, 2020.

Clark, Robert C. “A Reverence for Untrendy Human Troubles: David Foster Wallace’s” Good People,” Ernest Hemingway’s” Hills Like White Elephants,” and American Minimalist Narration.” Amerikastudien/American Studies (2017): 397-412.

Grimsman, Austin, et al. “Literary Analysis Tool: Text Analytics for Creative Writers.” Proceedings of the Conference on Information Systems Applied Research ISSN . Vol. 2167. 2019.

Wallace, David Foster. “Good people.” New Yorker-New Yorker Magazine Incorporated-2007 (2007): 66.

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The Lifesaving Cancer Treatment I Wish More People Knew About

On August 5, 2022, I went to see a new doctor for a yearly check-up. Gregory Prokopowicz had just arrived from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. I was his among his first patients. I was 75 and felt great. I’m a writer and a poker player. I’d just gotten back from Las Vegas where I’d come in second in a big tournament. My sixth novel, Bluff , was going to be made into a movie. Dr. Prokopowicz said I was in excellent health—except for a slight problem with my kidneys that showed up on a blood test. I had no symptoms. But just to be cautious he sent me for a routine renal ultrasound.

After the procedure the doctor came in and sat down, staring at me like a person who had seen a ghost. What he said next made me wonder if the ghost was me.

“Your kidneys are fine,” he said. “However, there’s a very large mass floating over your other organs. We have no idea what it is.”

“Moby Dick!” I blurted out to take the edge off my terror.

After more scans and an endoscopy at Hopkins, I was told I had pancreatic cancer. I had never even given a thought to my pancreas, a hand-sized organ behind the stomach that makes enzymes to break down food for digestion. But now I could think of nothing else. The tumor was large and had to be taken out immediately.

On September 23, 2022, Fabian Johnston, a brilliant surgeon, performed a nine-hour operation on me, removing the tumor I had nicknamed Moby Dick, plus my spleen and my gall bladder. Moby measured 16 centimeters (6.3 inches). Amazingly, no other organs were affected. The lymph nodes were clear.

After the operation I learned through DNA testing that I had one of the rarest tumors in the world: a pancreatoblastoma . It has been documented mainly in children , but in only about 30 adults . Very little is known about this tumor except that if it is removed with no metastases —that is, without spreading to other organs—it may not recur like other deadly pancreatic cancers . Because Dr. Johnston had found no evidence of any metastases in any lymph nodes or vital organs, he declared me cancer free.” I returned home feeling like I’d dodged not just a bullet but a cannon ball.

One month later I went back to Hopkins to discuss the results of a postoperative CT scan. My husband and I met Dr. Johnston with his team in his office. My GP, Dr. Prokopowicz, was on the phone listening in. Though Dr. Johnston greeted me warmly, I sensed a shift in his normally sunny disposition. He looked at me and said gently, “Jane, I’m sorry to tell you that your recent MRI shows that you have metastases on your liver.”

The full impact of this revelation did not hit me right away.

“What does that mean?”

“Unfortunately, it means you have metastatic pancreatic cancer. And without treatment, you have roughly eight months to live.” (Even though the cancer had now spread to my liver, it was still called pancreatic cancer because that’s where the malignant cells originated.)

If learning I had cancer was an earthquake, this aftershock was a tidal wave.

“What treatment could I have?” I stammered.

“Chemotherapy is recommended.”

So now my hopeful outlook on life had changed to a grim outlook on death.

I got home and googled “metastatic pancreatic cancer.” Dr. Google was even less optimistic than Dr. Johnston. According to the web, I had a three percent chance of living eight months after such a diagnosis, even with chemotherapy.

My next stop was a consultation with an oncologist. This doctor told me that there was only one treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer: chemotherapy. I’d heard horror stories about those drugs. But I also had several friends who’d survived their cancers by having chemo. The thing was, despite the pain of recovering from a big operation, I still felt remarkably well.

I told him, “I really don’t want to have chemo. I don’t want to feel bad until I die. I want to feel good until I die.” If I seemed cavalier, it was because I still had not yet felt the full weight of death upon me.

I asked him how long it would be before I had symptoms because I wanted to go play in a big poker tournament in Las Vegas and then go to Amsterdam to see the Vermeer exhibit.

“I don’t think a couple of months will make much difference,” he said. “After your travels we’ll stick a port in you and start chemo if you change your mind.” It was a quick visit.

When I got back home from my trips in February, I knew I wasn’t going to change my mind about chemo. I decided I was just going to live, live, live until I died. I’m relatively old. I had lived a fascinating, privileged life. I’m a Christian, though non-practicing. I was resigned to my fate and prayed with the thought: “Lord, Thy will be done.”

Not that I stopped looking for salvation. I tried to get into a promising trial for pancreatic cancer patients but discovered I wasn’t eligible because my tumor was so rare. I talked to a couple of friends who had connections at other great cancer hospitals. One of them put me in touch with a famous oncologist in New York. We had a wonderful phone conversation. However, when I assured him I was not having chemo, I never heard from him again.

As the weeks passed, I told everyone who was interested (and many who were not) that I had metastatic pancreatic cancer and only a short time to live. For one thing I wanted people to understand that cancer is not a shameful or shadowy disease. And for another, quite selfishly, it helped to bolster my decision not to have chemotherapy while I still felt well. I even showed some hardy souls the pictures of Moby I had on my iPhone. Taken immediately after my operation, the photos showed Moby laid out on a blue surgical cloth, the size of a small football, an ovoid mound of veiny, bloody flesh, practically throbbing with evil. Literally everyone gasped in horror and disbelief at the sight of this alien thing. I found myself taking a perverse pride in him.

In January, I casually announced to Marie Brenner, one of my oldest friends in the world, that I had metastatic pancreatic cancer and not a lot of time to live. I wasn’t maudlin about it, but Marie was almost indignant at the news.

“You’re not going to die on my watch!” she said firmly.

“Honey, I love you. But, trust me, I’m a hopeless case.”

“I know a doctor who only takes hopeless cases,” she shot back.

She told me about Dr. Tomoaki Kato, a medical magician she got to know up at Columbia Presbyterian while she was researching her latest book, The Desperate Hours, a chronicle of the year-plus she had spent at the New York Presbyterian hospital system during the pandemic . Dr. Kato is best known for liver transplantation, but he has also performed other breakthrough operations, including separating conjoined twins . He led the first reported removal and re-implantation of six organs to excise a hard-to-reach abdominal tumor. He is so revered that when he contracted a life-threatening case of COVID, the story of his ordeal and recovery was on the front page of The New York Times .

That day, Marie sent all my scans, blood tests, pictures of the tumor, and medical history to Dr. Kato, hoping my rare case would interest him. He got back to her immediately, and said he was well acquainted with my rare pancreatoblastoma. He agreed to take my “hopeless” case.

On a drizzly April morning, my husband Jim, Marie, and I met Dr. Kato in his office at Columbia Presbyterian. Dr. Kato is a slim, fit man with a handsome face and calm dark eyes. He was in his surgical scrubs scheduled to operate that morning. Yet he spent over an hour with me; his voice was soft and thoughtful as explained my situation. According to the very sensitive blood tests I had every month taken from a finger prick, the level of Circulating Tumor (CT) in my body was relatively low. This meant I still had some time. However, if the CT level shot up, that would mean the cancer was spreading rapidly. He showed me a scan of my liver and pointed out the metastases on the two lobes. It was only a matter of time before these “mets” would take over my liver and kill me. We discussed my options—chemo, wait and see—and then he asked, “has anyone suggested Y-90?"

He explained. Y-90 is short for Yttrium-90 , a radioactive isotope which can be injected into the blood supply of the metastases in the liver and possibly kill them. It has been used successfully on other tumors, but never on the liver metastases of a tumor as rare as mine.

Marie and Jim and I left Dr. Kato’s office practically in tears. Was there a glimmer of hope after all?

Dr. Kato now placed me in the hands of the interventional radiology department and David Sperling.

Dr. Sperling and I first met through a video call where he explained the details of my treatment. Radioembolization requires at least two treatment sessions for each lobe affected with metastases. Because I had “mets” on two lobes, I would require four sessions in all. In the first session, a catheter is inserted into the liver artery through the groin. Through angiography the arteries fueling the metastases are “mapped.” In the second session, a catheter is inserted into the wrist. The radioactive isotope Y-90 in the form of tiny resin beads is injected into the “mapped” blood supplies of the tumor. Y-90 aims to kill them by cutting off their blood supply.

Map and zap.

On May 26, 2023, I met Dr. Sperling in person. I lay on a table in a large operating room at Columbia Presbyterian. Dr. Sperling is a meticulous man with the eyes of an eagle and a no-nonsense air. He worked quickly and confidently. The procedure took an hour and a half. I went out for dinner that night. Two weeks later I came back and he zapped the mets with Y-90 through a line in my left wrist. That procedure took about an hour. I was slightly nauseous afterward but otherwise had no side effects. After each Dr. Sperling and I looked at MRI pictures of my liver on a computer. He was encouraged by what he saw. Y-90 appeared to be working. The mets were dying.

Since my first mapping I have gotten to know Dr. Sperling. He is a star in his field of Interventional Radiology. He has a wonderful sense of humor. He loves dogs as much as I do. He loves Fantasy Football the way I love poker. He is also a champion gamer. I could see how much he enjoyed zapping those mets. After my treatments were over, the key question was whether Yttrium-90 would work on a rare pancreatoblastoma . I went to Vegas to play in the World Series of Poker. Poker was the one thing that got my mind off my “eight months to live” diagnosis. Since I figured I wasn’t going to live to finish my eighth novel, I might as well have fun. When I returned from Vegas, I went up to Columbia Presbyterian for another MRI. Once again, with me at his side, Dr. Sperling examined the results of the scan. The treatment had worked!

Two months later, the Circulating Tumor in my blood went down to zero—meaning I was for the moment cancer free. It was a true miracle. But because we are dealing with the Emperor of All Maladies, as cancer has been aptly named, follow up scans were necessary. A subsequent MRI revealed I had another metastasis on my liver. Dr. Sperling treated me again. Map and Zap. Then pray.

I have now survived almost two years beyond anyone’s expectations. With few side effects, no down time, and a remarkable record of success with other tumors less rare than my own, it is a wonder to me that Y-90 is not considered by more oncologists as an alternative or an adjunct to chemo. Interventional radiology using Y-90 treated my liver metastases from the inside out. Chemotherapy would have treated them infusing the body with harsh chemicals which would hopefully kill them but also kill a lot else in the bargain. Yet chemo remains the first choice of oncologists in cases of metastatic disease. Y-90 may then be used as a last resort if the chemo has failed to eradicate the liver mets. My treatment was only good for the liver. In general, systemic chemo is the first second or third option and it is unclear why Y-90 is not offered more frequently as an alternative. Perhaps because chemo has become the standard first option, I was never offered Y-90 as an alternative. Of course, every case is different; consultation with an experienced medical professional about Y-90 is mandatory if you're considering asking for it as part of a treatment plan—it's not a fit for everyone. But I do believe that Y-90 could save at least some patients the agony of chemo and extend their lives.

Cancer can paralyze you with fear—both the fear there is no hope and the fear of talking about it. My advice is to broadcast your disease. Tell anyone who will listen what kind of cancer you have. Do research. Knock on every medical door. Don’t take “only this way” for an answer.

My case is nothing short of miraculous. At this writing, I have lived almost two years beyond the eight months I was given. In June I went out to Las Vegas and played in the World Series of Poker. I had no luck with the cards. But the real luck was being there at all. Just being alive is lucky!

The small met on my liver was zapped again. The CT has remained low and stable. I may even live to see the movie based on Bluff which is in the works. The point is to keep kicking the can down the road.

I used to get up every morning wondering how and when I would die. Now I have PTSD thinking I might be around for a while. I can live with that.

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Jeff Goldblum on being a good person

Actor Jeff Goldblum talks about what he's learned about being a good person with NPR's Rachel Martin for Wild Card.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Winner Announcement: TGC’s 2024 Essay Contest for Young Adults

More by staff.

Gen Z is a generation that faces the temptation to avoid hard things. With phones to hide behind, it’s easier than ever to get lost in a virtual world instead of facing the real world . Scripture tells us we shouldn’t be surprised when we face trials in this life as if something strange were happening to us, and that we can even rejoice in trials (1 Pet. 1:6–7; 4:12–13). Our young writers are learning this countercultural lesson. We have a God who cares more about our Christ-conformity than our comfort, and this is good news.

Over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of reading the submissions to The Gospel Coalition’s 2024 Essay Contest for Young Adults . Nearly 200 young writers submitted original essays, and the editorial team reviewed them. These writers shared personal testimonies of their wrestling with God as they faced debilitating illness, societal pressure, and unfulfilled desires. We were impressed by their self-reflections on what they were pursuing more than God, whether it was acceptance into university, dream jobs, or the phones in their pockets.

Their writing displayed their desire to treasure Christ above all else.

Thoughtful Writers

The essays TGC received came from 183 young writers:

They ranged in age from 16 to 22. Many were high school students; others were in college or just beginning their adult lives.
As with last year’s contest , two-thirds of the writers were female.
They’re members of local churches—Presbyterians, Baptists, and Anglicans predominated, with many nondenominational churches also represented.
They submitted their essays from all over the U.S. and 14 other countries including Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Many of these young writers poured out their hearts as they shared about times when God, in his love, withheld something from them. Others wrote of how they moved from clinging to their phones to clinging to Christ. Some shared how they see the need for men and women like themselves to give their lives to vocational ministry to reach the 3 billion people with no access to the gospel.

Our hearts were warmed as we read stories of Gen Z Christians refusing the lies their culture is feeding them. Instead, they’re inviting us to taste and see with them that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8).

Personal Reflections

In TGC’s contest guidelines , we provided three prompts that allowed writers to reflect on their own lives as a means of speaking to their generation. Gen Zers are stereotypically called “screenagers” for spending a considerable amount of time on the internet. One prompt asked, “How has the gospel changed your relationship with your phone?” Many who chose this prompt were aware of their temptation to depend on their devices. They want to view their phones as tools, not as extra limbs.

Other writers shared why they’re considering full-time vocational ministry, knowing it’ll come at great cost. They’re willing to lay aside dream jobs with well-paying salaries for the sake of serving the Lord. Having to stand firm in the faith amid a deconstructing culture, they see themselves as equipped to reach their generation.

The most selected prompt was “When did the Lord love you by not giving you what you wanted?” By withholding something these young people wanted (though it was often a good thing), the Lord in his kindness revealed sin in their lives, drawing them closer to himself. What a beautiful picture of what our loving Father does for us, his children (Heb. 12:5–11).

We pray your hearts will be warmed and your souls edified as you read these essays (and TGC will be publishing more of them over the coming months).

Among the essays, three pieces stood out as well-crafted, thoughtful, and engaging. Our editorial team was clear about which winners to select, and we’re delighted to publish them on the site for you to read.

First Place: “ Who Was ‘i’ Without My iPhone? ” by Luke Simon

Luke opens his essay with these words: “Steve Jobs might’ve been a prophet. Or he at least predicted how his device would shape my future. After all, he placed the ‘i’ next to ‘Phone.’” Behind his screen, Luke Simon became luk3simon, forging a new identity and avoiding reality—and ultimately God. Eventually, he realized he needed a digital detox. Luke gives us practical ways to unhitch our identities from our phones, pointing us to the hope found in Jesus alone.

Second Place: “ How God’s ‘No’ to My Dream School Was a ‘Yes’ to the Local Church ” by Logan Watters

In her inspiring essay, Logan tells of how membership in a faithful, gospel-preaching church was a better pursuit than her dream school. And this made no sense to her friends. When we seek the Lord’s will and his plans above our own, the self-seeking world around us is left confused. Logan writes, “After a taste of [God’s] plans compared to mine, I don’t want anything else.”

Third Place: “ The Lord Loved Me by Giving Me a Broken Family ” by Karsten Harrison

In his essay, Karsten sees God’s love through unanswered prayer. Speaking to those who come from broken families, Karsten brings hope by pointing to the Lord’s steadfast love and the rich fellowship found with our church family. He writes, “God doesn’t simply give whatever we ask. Instead, we pray that his will would be accomplished, thus aligning our wills with his.” May we learn with him that God’s “No” always comes from his love for us and invites us to depend on him.

Take time today to read these essays and praise God for his faithfulness in his love toward us:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22–23)

Read more essays from young adults: 2022 and 2023 Contest Winners.

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Man, 83, in Tears After He Surprises 22-Month-Old Neighbor for First Day of Preschool Sendoff (Exclusive)

Brenda Brister and her husband Albert "Buddy" Brister have bonded with Megan Clark and her three young children

Megan Clark

Megan Clark and her husband Riley Harrison Clark have become close friends with their neighbors Brenda Brister, 75, and her husband Albert "Buddy" Brister, 83, since moving to their home in the suburbs of Nashville
The couple has become like family to the Clarks' three kids, including their 22-month-old daughter Kate, who was born after they moved in
On the first day of school, Brenda and Buddy came over to see Kate off to school. Megan captured the touching moment on camera and later posted it to her TikTok account, where it has since garnered more than 1 million views

As Megan Clark and her husband Riley Harrison Clark prepared to take her 22-month-old daughter, Kate, to her first day of school, they noticed their neighbors standing in their driveway.

The Clarks, originally from Alabama and Oklahoma, had grown close to their neighbors, Brenda Brister, 75, and her husband Albert "Buddy" Brister, 83, since moving to their home in the suburbs of Nashville. With no family nearby, Brenda and Buddy quickly became like family to Megan and her three children, including Kate, who was born after the family had moved in.

Every day, Megan says Kate calls the couple and asks to visit their house. Brenda and Buddy regularly text Megan to check on Kate and the rest of the family, and Megan has hundreds of videos and photos of their time together saved on her phone.

"Buddy is a Vietnam vet with a tough exterior, but he’s incredibly gentle with Kate," Megan, 32, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "He goes to Walmart every single day and gets her something special almost every time. Their house is stocked with all her favorite snacks and shows. It’s really heartwarming."

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When Megan first told Brenda and Buddy that Kate would be starting school in the fall, Buddy was "torn up," she says.

"He said, 'You can't send her to school. We’ll just keep her. How many days is she going to go?' " Megan recalls. "I told him she would only go on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He replied, 'We can keep her. We’ll just schedule our doctor’s appointments on different days.' "

On the first day of school, Brenda came over to see Kate off, and Buddy followed shortly after, tears in his eyes. Megan captured the touching moment on camera and later posted it to her TikTok account, where it has since garnered more than 1 million views.

Buddy told Kate, "Buddy loves you, and save me a seat at lunch. I'll come sit with you." The school is just down the street from their house, and Buddy even drove there at lunchtime, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kate on the playground.

To help with Kate's transition, Megan promised her that if she did well at school, they would visit Brenda and Buddy afterward as a "reward."

"Brenda and Buddy see Kate every single day," Megan says. "If they don’t, they ask if we can bring her over. Sometimes it’s a little overwhelming, but it’s fun. They’re a lot of fun."

Megan hasn’t had the chance to tell Buddy and Brenda about the TikTok yet. While the couple isn't super into social media, Megan thinks they’ll be amazed to know how many people love Buddy.

"I really appreciate how people have embraced him. It’s funny that people are thanking us for allowing him to love our baby, because they’ve done so much more for us than we could ever do for them," Megan says. "The love they’ve given to our kids is something I never imagined from people who were once strangers."

"He is been through so much," she adds of Buddy, "and then having that little baby that he just loves so much, it's just sweet to see."

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At the Jerusalem synagogue where Hersh Goldberg-Polin danced in life, grief and anger reign after his death

JERUSALEM — Three hundred and thirty-two days after Hersh Goldberg-Polin danced in the courtyard next to his Jerusalem synagogue on the holiday of Simchat Torah, more than a thousand people gathered there in grief and prayer to mourn his murder by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

During the Sunday night vigil, the courtyard railings were lined with oversized yellow ribbons to symbolize advocacy for the hostages, Hapoel Jerusalem soccer flags — the 23-year-old’s favorite team — and posters that read, “We love you, stay strong, survive,” a mantra coined by his mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin.

Just hours earlier, one of the posters had been hanging over the balcony of the home of Shira Ben-Sasson, a leader of Hakhel, the Goldberg-Polins’ egalitarian congregation in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem.

“We were sure we would take it down when he came home,” Ben-Sasson said.

The community wanted to unite while respecting the Goldberg-Polins’ desire for privacy, she said, prompting them to organize the prayer gathering.

“But it’s like a Band-Aid or giving first aid, it’s what you do in an emergency. I don’t know how we go on after this,” she said.

A covered courtyard at the Hakhel congregation was filled with mourners the day after Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose family are prominent members, was found to have been killed in Gaza. Hundreds of other people crowded outside the gates, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

She added that the community, which has a large contingent of English-speaking immigrants, was not prepared for the High Holidays, which begin in about a month. She said, “Seeing his empty seat is hard.”

For Ben-Sasson, who wore a T-shirt bearing the Talmudic dictum “There is no greater mitzvah than the redeeming of captives,” the tragedy is especially painful because, she said, it could have been avoided with a ceasefire agreement that freed hostages.

“Hersh was alive 48 hours ago. We think a deal could have saved him. There is no military solution to this,” she said.

That feeling of bereavement, often mixed with betrayal, pervaded gatherings across Israel on Sunday, as the country struggled with the news that six hostages who may have been freed in an agreement were now dead as negotiations continue to stall. Speakers at protests in Tel Aviv blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who himself apologized for not getting the hostages out alive but blamed Hamas for obstructing a deal. The country’s labor union, the Histadrut, has called a national strike on Monday to demand a deal.

A rare early September rain lashed parts of Israel on Sunday, leading to a widespread interpretation: God, too, was weeping.

Some at the Jerusalem gathering, including the relative of another former hostage, said Netanyahu had chosen defeating Hamas over freeing the captives.

Josef Avi Yair Engel’s grandson Ofir was released from Hamas captivity in November. He paid tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, murdered in captivity, in Jerusalem, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

Josef Avi Yair Engel, whose grandson Ofir, 18, was released from Hamas captivity in November during that month’s ceasefire deal, expressed shock over Hersh’s murder but said he was not surprised, given the wartime policies of Netanyahu’s government.

“We knew months ago this was going to happen. Bibi’s formula, to dismantle Hamas and return the hostages, wasn’t logical. It’s an either/or situation,” Engel said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. “He’s tearing the country apart. I’m afraid that in the coming months there won’t be a state at all.”

Engel said he felt a close bond with Hersh’s father Jon Polin, not only because of their joint activism in the hostage families’ tent outside the Prime Minister’s Residence, but also because of their shared identity as Jerusalemites.

“There aren’t many of us in the hostage circle,” he said. “We’re like family.”

Sarah Mann, who did not know the family personally, said the weekend’s tragedy reminded her of Oct. 7.

“This day has sparks of the seventh, which created numbness and an inability to talk. Just complete shock,” she said.

Mourners left notes at a gathering at Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s family synagogue in Jerusalem. Many of the messages used the Hebrew word for “sorry.” (Deborah Danan)

Part of the reason for that, Mann said, was Rachel, who she described as a “force of faith.” Goldberg-Polin’s mother emerged as the most prominent advocate for the hostages globally and became a symbol in her own right as she crisscrossed the world calling for her son’s freedom.

“Millions of people around the world held onto her. Once that was cut, people’s ability to hold onto faith was knocked out today. But even though this has shattered us, we need to keep holding onto God,” Mann said.

For Susi Döring Preston, the day called to mind was not Oct. 7 but Yom Kippur, and its communal solemnity.

She said she usually steers clear of similar war-related events because they are too overwhelming for her.

“Before I avoided stuff like this because I guess I still had hope. But now is the time to just give in to needing to be around people because you can’t hold your own self up any more,” she said, tears rolling down her face. “You need to feel the humanity and hang onto that.”

Like so many others, Döring Preston paid tribute to the Goldberg-Polins’ tireless activism. “They needed everyone else’s strength but we drew so much strength from them and their efforts, “she said. “You felt it could change the outcome. But war is more evil than good. I think that’s the crushing thing. You can do everything right, but the outcome is still devastating.”

Guy Gordon, with his daughter Maya, added a broken heart to the piece of tape he has worn daily to mark the number of days since the hostage crisis began, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

Guy Gordon, a member of Hakhel who moved to Israel from Dublin, Ireland, in the mid-1990s, said the efforts towards ensuring Hersh’s safe return have been an anchor for the community during the war. The community knew him as the family described him in its announcement of his funeral on Tuesday, as “a child of light, love and peace” who enjoyed exploring the world and coming home to his family, including his parents and younger sisters, Leebie and Orly.

“It gave us something to hope for, and pray for and to demonstrate for,” he said. “We had no choice but to be unreasonably optimistic. Tragically it transpired that he survived until the very end.”

Gordon, like many others in the crowd, wore a piece of duct tape marked with the number of days since Oct. 7 — a gesture initiated by Goldberg-Polin’s mother. Unlike on previous days, though, his tape also featured a broken red heart beside the number.

Nadia Levene, a family friend, also reflected on the improbability of Hersh’s survival.

“He did exactly what his parents begged him to do. He was strong. He did survive. And look what happened,” Levene said.

She hailed Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s “unwavering strength and belief in God,” adding, “There were times I lost faith. I suppose I was angry with God. But she just kept inspiring us all to pray, pray, pray.”

Leah Silver of Jerusalem examined stickers showing Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s mantra for her son Hersh, who was murdered in captivity in Gaza, at a gathering after Hersh’s death, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

Jerusalem resident Leah Silver rejected politicizing the hostages’ deaths.

“Everything turns political so quickly. I came here because I felt that before all the protests, we need to just mourn for a moment and to pray. And show respect for each other,” she said. “We’ve become confused about who the enemy is. It’s very sad.”

But not everyone at the gathering joined in to sing Israel’s national anthem at the closing of the prayer gathering.

“I’m sorry, I can’t sing ‘Hatikvah,'” Reza Green, a Baka resident who did not know the Goldberg-Polins personally, said. “I’m too angry. We shouldn’t be here.”

Meta panel rules that ‘from the river to the sea’ is not inherently antisemitic

‘I’m gutted,’ Doug Emhoff says about murdered hostages at Washington synagogue vigil

Engagement in campus Jewish life spiked after Oct. 7 but has since dropped down somewhat, Tufts study finds

US Justice Department files criminal charges against Hamas, spurred by Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s murder

As Israel endured a difficult weekend at home, its athletes won several Paralympic medals, bringing Paris total to 7

Hapoel Jerusalem, Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s favorite soccer club, mourns the death of ‘our friend in the stands’

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How to Be a Good Person Essay
Qualities of Good Person. Good people are characterized by certain qualities that include trust, honesty, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, respect, courage, and goodwill. They do not steal, lie, discriminate, or deny people their rights. They think about others' welfare and advocate for actions that make the world a better place.
Essays on Being a Good Person
Critique on Mencius' Claim of Person's Capability to Become Good. 3 pages / 1280 words. In this essay I argue against Mencius' claim that 'a man is capable of becoming good' due to the inherent goodness in his nature. I am against Mencius' claim because of his assumption that human nature is inclined towards good morals.
Are You a Good Person?
Everything that can be said can be said with kindness. Every tough position we have to take can be taken with kindness. No exceptions. Being a good person requires that we work toward that ...
Qualities of a Good Person: [Essay Example], 743 words
A good person is often described as someone who possesses qualities such as kindness, empathy, honesty, integrity, and compassion. However, being a good person is more than just having these qualities. It also involves cultivating positive relationships, engaging in acts of kindness and generosity, respecting differences, and being morally ...
Essay on Qualities of a Good Person
250 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Person Introduction. Being a good person is a complex and multifaceted concept, encompassing a variety of characteristics and traits. It's a subjective term, often shaped by societal norms, personal beliefs, and individual values. However, some universal qualities are widely recognized as markers of a ...
15 Qualities That Are At The Core Of Every 'Good' Person
Compassion means that you understand another's pain without compounding it, offering what the other needs, and giving of yourself, regardless of the outcome. 5. Generosity. Generosity is a quality often associated with a good person. When we have a surplus of something, it's important to share with others who have less.
Essay Samples on Being a Good Person
Being a good leader and role model is very important to me and I am very motivated to gain any skills that will assist in achieving those qualities. I want to develop the self confidence, vision, wisdom, motivational impact and delivery skills that most effective... Being a Good Person. Human Behavior. Leader.
How to Be a Good Person Essay
1. Introduction The work "How to Be a Good Person" begins by defining what it means to be a good person. According to the author, a good person is someone who upholds universal moral values, such as honesty, kindness, and respect towards others. The author emphasizes the importance of embodying these qualities in our daily lives, such as by acting in ways that promote the well-being of others ...
How Can You Tell If You Are a Good Person?
One definition of "good" is that you follow the rules — you don't break the law, commit crimes, lie, or cheat. Another way to determine who is a good person is to ask others — friends ...
How to Be a Better Person
Practicing stress relievers like meditation can also help you to let go of anger. Focus on releasing the hold that the past may have on you. Put your attention to the current moment and it becomes easier to avoid rumination and stay in a good place. 12 Best Anger Management Resources of 2024, Tested and Reviewed.
Attributes of a Good Person: [Essay Example], 1044 words
Being a good person is somewhat of an acquired quality, but also an innate characteristic. Deciding to be a good person is a complex task. It is far easier said in words than accomplished through actions. Many people possess genes that cause immoral thought processes. These specified genes interfere with their intent of goodwill.
How To Be A Good Person And Why It Matters
Why being a good person matters. One's motivation for being "good" can vary widely. Research suggests that altruism—or the act of showing selfless concern for the well-being of others—is a uniquely human trait, of which there are many examples. Biologically, evolutionarily, or on some other level, many may feel generally driven to be ...
Personal Characteristics Essay: Top Examples and Tips for Successful
Additionally, a personal characteristics essay can also serve as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Through the process of writing about your traits and how they have impacted your life, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your values. This type of essay can also help you identify areas for improvement and set goals ...
10 Amazing Personal Essays
First line: Once upon a time I met a stranger and in my mind we lived an entire life together. 3. Wesley Morris: " My Mustache, My Self ". Morris weaves a riveting, sometimes funny, often probing and moving essay about what might be the most boring topic — growing a pandemic mustache.
Being A Good Person Essay
Can't restrain the laughter. 1. You Maintain Your Happiness By Being A Good Person …show more content…. Not everyone will appreciate you, but the right people will. - Tim Fargo Not everyone will appreciate that you are a good person. In fact, you may run into a lot of people who don't care that you are good - they still want to abuse you ...
27 Outstanding College Essay Examples From Top Universities 2024
This college essay tip is by Abigail McFee, Admissions Counselor for Tufts University and Tufts '17 graduate. 2. Write like a journalist. "Don't bury the lede!" The first few sentences must capture the reader's attention, provide a gist of the story, and give a sense of where the essay is heading.
Example of a Great Essay
This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people's social and cultural lives.
How to Write a First-Person Essay
Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Aug 23, 2021 • 3 min read. First-person essays are an opportunity for a writer to share their personal experiences. They can be funny, inspiring, or challenging to the reader. Either way, the goal of a first-person essay is to forge a connection with the person who is reading it, inviting them to follow ...
The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay
Come up with a thesis. Create an essay outline. Write the introduction. Write the main body, organized into paragraphs. Write the conclusion. Evaluate the overall organization. Revise the content of each paragraph. Proofread your essay or use a Grammar Checker for language errors. Use a plagiarism checker.
How to Write a Personal Essay: 6 Tips for Writing Personal Essays
Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Sep 9, 2021 • 3 min read. People write personal essays for a number of reasons. High school students write them for college admissions and writers use them to share personal stories with others. A personal narrative essay can enlighten and inspire an audience with information gained from real life ...
How to Write the Perfect Essay
Step 2: Have a clear structure. Think about this while you're planning: your essay is like an argument or a speech. It needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question. Start with the basics! It's best to choose a few major points which will become your main paragraphs.
How to Write an Essay Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
Literary Analysis of "Good People" by David Foster Wallace Essay
A literary analysis comprises a critical appraisal of the techniques used by an author to send out a message to their audience. Therefore, it looks at the forms of literature styles that the author has integrated to initiate the desired appeals to their audience. On that account, Good People by David Foster Wallace, first published in print in ...
10 behaviors that show you're a genuinely good person
Do you? Well, I do. It's one of those things I worry about, not being a good person. If I'm being a good neighbor or if I help enough. I know I'm not the only one. So, let's discuss this, even briefly; because as much as I would like to have an article that will satisfactorily discuss the concept of goodness, being good is just so ...
The Lifesaving Cancer Treatment I Wish More People Knew About
My treatment was only good for the liver. In general, systemic chemo is the first second or third option and it is unclear why Y-90 is not offered more frequently as an alternative.
Jeff Goldblum on being a good person
Actor Jeff Goldblum talks about what he's learned about being a good person with NPR's Rachel Martin for Wild Card.
Winner Announcement: TGC's 2024 Essay Contest for Young Adults
We have a God who cares more about our Christ-conformity than our comfort, and this is good news. Over the past few months, we've had the privilege of reading the submissions to The Gospel Coalition's 2024 Essay Contest for Young Adults. Nearly 200 young writers submitted original essays, and the editorial team reviewed them.
Scam Goddess Laci Mosley Explains How 'Scamming Saved Me' (Exclusive)
In her new essay collection, Scam Goddess (out Sept. 10), Mosley recounts some of her favorite frauds, ... I have a bad people-pleasing thing, not good for my personal life, but great for acting. ...
See Elderly Neighbors' Sendoff for 22-Month-Old's First ...
Retirees Brenda Brister and Albert "Buddy" Brister went over to wish their 22-month-old neighbor Kate Clark a good first day of school in a moment that later went viral.
At the Jerusalem synagogue where Hersh Goldberg-Polin danced in life
Josef Avi Yair Engel, whose grandson Ofir, 18, was released from Hamas captivity in November during that month's ceasefire deal, expressed shock over Hersh's murder but said he was not ...

Are You a Good Person?

Essay on Qualities of a Good Person

100 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Person

Kindness and Compassion

Honesty and Integrity

Respectfulness

Responsibility

Respect for Diversity

500 Words Essay on Qualities of a Good Person

Selflessness

Open-mindedness

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15 Qualities That Are At The Core Of Every ‘Good’ Person

1. Prudence

2. Temperance

4. Compassion

5. Generosity

6. Patience

7. Respect

8. Tolerance

9. Integrity

10. Commitment

11. Honesty

12. Humility

13. Strength

15. Self-awareness

About The Author

Essay Samples on Being a Good Person

The Struggle of Being a Good Person and Leader at the Same Time

Letting Go of Being a 'Good' Person and Becoming a Better Person

How to Be a Good Person Essay

1.1. Defining a good person

1.2. Importance of being a good person

2. Personal Development

2.1. Cultivating empathy and compassion

2.2. Practicing honesty and integrity

2.3. Developing self-awareness and mindfulness

3. Building Positive Relationships

3.1. Communicating effectively and actively listening

3.2. Showing kindness and respect towards others

3.3. Resolving conflicts peacefully

3.4. Building trust and fostering teamwork

4. Contributing to the Community

4.1. Volunteering and giving back

4.2. Promoting social justice and equality

4.3. Being environmentally conscious

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How Can You Tell If You Are a Good Person?

How to Be a Better Person

Let Go of Anger

Support Others

Leverage Your Strengths

Use the "Stages of Change" Model

The Stages of Change Model

Press Play for Advice on Creating Change

Take Care of Yourself

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Social Connections

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