Being a good person

The understanding of what it means to be a good person is a dynamic process that evolves with the development of the self, encompassing various aspects of life. It is important to understand the lived experiences of those who self-identify as good and the reasons behind their evolving self-perception. This study examined the lived experiences of six individuals who self-identified as ‘being a good person,’ using Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenology and Wilber’s Four Quadrants model. The research identified four main themes: Goodness is a Choice, Autonomy, The Good Place, and Healthy Boundaries, with the overarching theme of Holons. These themes highlight the nuances of personal choices, the significance of autonomy, and the pursuit of an internal state called ‘The Good Place’ established through healthy boundaries to maintain authenticity. By focusing on individual narratives, the study provided insights into how people navigate moral dilemmas and maintain authentic goodness in contemporary society. Additionally, it differentiated between genuine goodness and superficial conformity, offering a nuanced perspective on behaviour that honours self and others. This research contributes to the understanding of goodness by integrating personal experiences with broader discussions, including internal conflicts and external conditioning, thus broadening the discourse on individual contributions to the collective good.