Good Character
What is it that makes a society truly good? The answer is simple: the good character of its individuals. A society where people display noble character will naturally become a good society. And where individuals lack good character, that society will inevitably deteriorate.
But what defines good character? And what defines bad character? The distinction is clear: a person of good character treats others in the way they would like to be treated themselves. A person of bad character, however, wants to be treated well, but acts differently towards others.
Imagine a man who leaves his house and goes to the market. There, someone speaks to him rudely. He gets angry and begins to fight. But when he returns home, he himself speaks rudely to his family and neighbours. What he should have learned from his market experience is this: just as he disliked being spoken to harshly, others, too, won’t appreciate bitter words. If he wants people to speak to him kindly, he must first become someone who speaks kindly to others.
A human being cannot live alone. By nature, people must live among others. One person’s success is linked to the well-being of the whole society. And one person’s downfall adds to collective ruin. When someone treats others well, they’re not just helping others—they’re creating an environment where kindness becomes a social norm, and eventually, kindness will return to them.
On the other hand, if someone lies, they contribute to the spread of dishonesty. If they grab someone’s property unjustly, they set a precedent for others to do the same. If they break promises, they make it easier for society to become comfortable with dishonesty.
The direction of social life is largely influenced by tradition. If good traditions are upheld, society moves toward harmony. If bad traditions spread, a toxic environment follows.
In truth, every personal action contributes to shaping society—and in time, those consequences circle back to the individual. From good character emerge good social values, which ultimately benefit the very person who practices them. From bad character arise destructive trends, which eventually bring harm to their source.
The first benefit of good character is peace of mind. The second is the creation of a healthy social environment. In contrast, the first consequence of bad character is the loss of inner peace, and the second is a society full of tension and mistrust.
In one case, society becomes a garden of flowers. In the other, a field of thorns.
Someone once asked me: “Tell me briefly—how should one live in this world?”
I replied, “Live as the rest of the universe lives.” Universal ethics are the best human ethics. The universe is a silent teacher of morality—we only need to observe it and apply its lessons to our lives.
Look at the sun. It shines its light on everyone—without discrimination. It gives warmth to all, regardless of who they are or what they believe. Even if someone curses the sun, it still offers them its light.
We must adopt the morality of the sun. Be beneficial to all. Be a giver, even if you receive nothing in return. Raise your moral standards so high that even those who oppose you feel your goodness.
Look at the tree. It takes in the carbon dioxide we exhale and gives back oxygen—essential for life. The tree transforms what is harmful into what is helpful.
We too must become like this. Let bitter words that reach our ears turn into sweet speech. If someone curses us, let our response be a prayer. If someone harms us, let our effort be to benefit them. If someone insults us, let us respond with honour.
This is the moral system of nature—even poisonous animals follow it. In Gujarat, a doctor keeps various snakes and plays with them. Someone once asked, “Doctor Sahib, aren’t you afraid?” He replied, “Not at all. These creatures only react when they’re harmed. If left alone, they don’t harm anyone.”
Humans, too, should have such predictable behaviour. People should be certain that you will never lie, never betray trust, never abuse authority, never take unfair advantage of someone’s weakness. People should know that because you are a human, you will always uphold human values. You will never act inhumanely, no matter the situation.
All India Radio, New Delhi,
on 2nd and 9th September 1992.
