“Good for its own sake has no place in living reality. If men are to act, they must not only intend the good but must have decided for themselves whether this or that particular thing is good”
Is a txt from Hegel that stood out to me because it has so much depth. It illustrates the meaning of good and how being good is not only “being good” but that you have to have reason of why it is your doing good. Furthermore, if that thing itself is good. This has a different meaning to every individual, what may seem good to me may be bad to you. That’s where your own judgment comes in and your values. It really makes you think and makes you sink in the actual term of being good overall.
Hegel’s text fits into my life by simply being myself. There are many people that do things because of others. Or by society’s standards they’ve been brought up that way and don’t really question why their doing it in the first place. For example I’m a very curious being so whenever I decide to do something I question it to myself and if it’s something I truly want to do.
Others which conform to things “followers” as I would call them wouldn’t really think about if that’s what they want or if the thing their doing is good for them. This is where I agree with Hagels quote many people do things but don’t find out in depth if that thing itself is benefiting them in the long run. Which, easily can be done if people took the time to really tap into things further. Otherwise they are just doing instead of finding out and questioning as I presume Hegel wants us “agents” to do.
Shukri, I enjoyed your insight on how the concept of "goodness" is difficult to perceive as a totally objective thing. We all have our different ideals, morals, and opinions that shape our judgment or what is good and what is not. Hegel definitely makes a valid point in acknowledging that men have decided for themselves whether this or that is a particularly good thing which I find very compelling as well.
ReplyDeleteI admire your proactive assessment of your actions because I do say, thinking through is not something that comes second nature to me. Often times, I do not question whether I truly want to do something because I am incredibly impulsive. It is not necessarily that I am conforming and following whatever the rest of society thinks is good; it is rather a process I undergo that reflects my heart-following, carpe diem type of lifestyle. I do applaud your constant consciousness and deliberation in your actions because I am certain you make these choices in consideration of what you think goodness entails. Kudos.