Good Person-Bad Person

“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself: What fault of mine most resembles that one?” — Marcus Aurelius

Sometimes life feels like we’re living in an upside-down world—where good is bad and bad is good. That dissonance can leave you confused, gaslit, and mentally exhausted.

So what makes someone a good person?

Empathy comes to mind first: the ability to place yourself in another’s shoes. A good person shows compassion—even if they haven’t experienced someone else’s struggle, they can still imagine what it’s like to live in their skin and walk a few miles there.

A good person seeks growth. They reflect on their actions and strive to improve. They’re often the first to admit when they’re wrong and offer a sincere apology.

They act with integrity. They don’t lie, cheat, or steal. They’re not attached to being “right” but instead committed to seeking the truth.

They treat others with dignity—because they understand that everyone deserves it.

A good person gives without expecting anything in return. They do what’s right simply because it is right, even when no one’s watching.

They’re not perfect. They’ll make mistakes, sometimes big ones—but when those mistakes are pointed out, they take responsibility, learn, and grow from them.

Now, what makes someone a bad person?

1. Lack of Empathy

   • They show little or no concern for how their actions affect others.

   • They may dismiss others’ pain, needs, or humanity as irrelevant.

2. Manipulation and Deceit

   • They twist the truth to control others, avoid accountability, or serve selfish goals.

   • Lying comes easily and often, without remorse.

3. Cruelty or Intentional Harm

   • They exhibit patterns of indifference—or even pleasure—in others' suffering.

   • This can manifest emotionally, physically, or socially.

4. Chronic Selfishness

   • Their actions center only on self-interest, regardless of consequences.

   • Even when help would cost them little, they withhold it out of apathy or greed.

5. Blame-Shifting and Defensiveness

   • They rarely see themselves as the problem.

   • When confronted, they deflect, deny, or project their faults onto others.

6. Abuse of Power

   • They seek control, dominance, or degradation—especially over the vulnerable.

   • This can appear in relationships, leadership, or daily interactions.

A good person can read this and reflect. They won’t rush to declare themselves “good” but will pause to consider what values they truly embody and where they have room to grow.

So—what kind of person are you becoming?