Being a good person is certainly a subjective thing. Not just being a good person either for that matter, but just being a person anywhere on the planet. We are all thrust into the world, unable to choose our nation of origin, family, or mental and physical aptitudes, just to rattle off a few of the things we’re all well aware of what is beyond our realm of choice. That said, what’s tough to define is just ‘good’ itself. For some people, just not doing anything bad is perfectly acceptable as evidence of being a good person. For others, it is not enough to simply do no harm to be considered good, but you have to actively go out and try to make other peoples’ lives or the world itself a better place in general.  But then that’s just the common ethical or moral understanding of good, there’s also the always important occupational ‘good.’ Take, for example, this quote below from the late great Paul Rand.

Some people might take this quote the wrong way and see some negative aspect to it, but I don’t see it as meaning something like “lower your expectations.” I’d argue it’s about just focusing on the present especially when starting out in an industry like graphic design, walk the balanced line of confidence and humility, focusing on doing the best you can, and the rest will fall into place. © Kristian Bjornard.

Now having a good (or perhaps the better word is ‘healthy’) relationship with your family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors, that can be an entirely different issue. I suppose it depends, varying from person to person, whether it’s easier to build healthier relationships or be an emotionally healthy individual, (and which of the two can help you build on the other more!) but I tend to find it easier to get along with others than to get along with myself.

I like this quote, it can be taken out of context and say “closeness creates tension” but I’d say it’s more about having a healthy distance with people you don’t necessarily have to be all that close with, like say for instance, neighbors and co-workers.© Ricardo.

Nothing wrong with being a warm and friendly person though of course, I’d be a huge hypocrite if I said there was anything wrong with that! I think that, in the case of things like trying to learn multiple languages, or a musical instrument, sport, or any particular skill or craft, it is always best to start young. Those formative years require the most support and nurturing, without being overprotective or overbearing. It’s a tough line to walk but it does pay off.

I can’t imagine a better closing argument than a quote from Aristotle. © QuotesEverlasting.