The Nature of Goodness

sion of function in the construction of an organism. That is, when we ask if any being, object, or quality is good, we are really inquiring how organic it is, how

peculiar variety of goodness. If, then, into the construction of a person conditions enter which are not found in the

found. How many such distinguishing differences exist? Obviously a multitude; but these are, I believe, merely various manifestations of a few fundamental characteristics. Probably all can be reduced to four,- they are self-consciousness, self-direction, self-development, and self-sacrifice. Wherever these four traits are found, we feel at once that the being who has them is a person. Whatever creature lacks them is but a thing, and requires no personal attention. I might say more. These four are so likely to go together that the ap

can rightly comprehend the nature of personal goodness, and detect its separation from goodness in general. Such an examination will occupy this and the three succeeding chapters. But I