Seven Kinds of Good

[Michael Chui]

My friend Josh has written a remarkably exhaustive perspective on the term "good". "Good," to quote him, as in marinara, not evil, though I think that's also a matter of perspective. (For instance, #1 is a hedonist good versus evil, whereas #4 might be a PD follower's good versus evil...)

the_sinistral: So Far Seven Tiers of Good

Reproducing it here.

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"Good" as in marinara, not evil. These are not necessarily sequential, but they might be. In any case, none is inferior or superior to the others.

1) Anything pleasant. Here we have amusement, distraction, stimulation.

2) Anything satisfying. A problem of emotional or intellectual dimension is introduced and subsequently resolved in a straightforward, explicit fashion that brings a sense of closure and substance. "Satisfaction" of this sort covers the full range of experiences and is not limited to those we would describe in positive terms.

3) Anything superlative. When something resonates with a part of our character that we deem superlative, advanced, or paramount, we feel special and exclusive. Applies to all aspects of the character--physical, emotional, intellectual, personal.

4) Anything challenging. Often a difficult tier of "good" to perceive. Some challenges readily lend themselves to the swift recognition of personal enrichment, but many do not. Challenge often results in a great deal of stress, and so it is a measure of character to reach this tier often. "Challenge" in this case implies a potentially worthwhile journey or outcome, and so is distinguished from concepts like "adversity" and "harassment," which do not necessarily have any value other than to affirm one's sheer endurance and coping skills--virtues, perhaps, but beyond the purview of "good" here.

5) Anything subtle. Here we find good in places we had previously not been attentive enough to look, or had looked but only coarsely and thus not seen any--indeed, even in places we had once gone so far as to call downright bad.

6) Anything empowering. The opportunist's tier. Discretion advised. Any and all empowerment is a net good, but some are more worth the time than others. Don't be a big fish in a small pond.

7) Anything enlightening. Possibly the easiest tier to occupy, once you are actually prepared for enlightenment.

[Angela]

those are well-thought out! I would add:

Connecting, as in the fulfillment of the connection with another person in conversation or sex (or otherwise), or the fulfillment that a certain piece of music, art, or meditation brings.

That sort of fulfillment is not exactly or necessarily pleasant or satisfying; it doesn't have to be challenging or subtle; there's not necessarily empowerment or enlightenment involved. It's probably superlative, but that's not all it is. It is connection, which doesn't have to include any of the other seven or might include all of them.

Connection is good! like marinara.

[Michelle Kunz]

Originally Posted by Angela

I would add:

Connecting, as in the fulfillment of the connection with another person in conversation or sex (or otherwise), or the fulfillment that a certain piece of music, art, or meditation brings.

All of these are beautiful. What an inspiring and empowering way to look for what is right in life.

I would add to "Connecting" the connection to self. This does not always have to be enlightenment. It can simply be the awareness of experiencing the pleasure, the satisfaction, and all the other goods. They remain theoretical without this final piece of awareness of experience. In our awareness of the experience, we gain dimension, increased ability to find and share good, and a whole host of other gifts.

[Liara Covert]

These are great ideas. To expand on them, I would refer to the dictionary and see what defines "good" there and compare them to my own additional impressions. Examples of personal life experiences enrich general examples.