THE word "goodness" includes within the range of its meaning such terms as virtue, benevolence, the state of being good, and excludes all conditions of thought which are the opposite of good, or evil. Like many another term in general use, everybody knows what it means; for they have grown up with it, so to speak. But because of its very homeliness it often fails to receive the attention, the consideration, it deserves.
A very little thought is necessary to appreciate the value of goodness. What is it one invariably associates with it? Happiness, for one thing. Goodness and happiness are inseparable: genuine happiness can never be associated with evil. And where there is happiness, there is joy, gladness, gratitude, peace. But that is not all; for where there is happiness, joy, gladness, gratitude, and peace there is health—health, that is, considered scientifically as the consciousness of harmony. Further, where goodness is manifest there is the desire to do good, in acts of benevolence, loving-kindness, mercifulness, gentleness, compassion. Goodness includes all the virtues.
On the other hand, what is to be said of the opposite of goodness— evil? Nothing in its favor; for it is companion to all that enlightened intelligence shuns. Evil in some form or other is the harbinger of every sorrow and every care that afflicts the human race, the cause of all human suffering. Evil can never be dissociated from inharmony. Therefore it is always associated with unhappiness, joylessness, despondency, unrest; and the one who indulges in evil is certain to be lacking in the qualities which so greatly bless mankind, such as benevolence and compassion.
