The concept of the greater good is an age-old philosophical idea debated and discussed by thinkers and scholars for centuries. It is also a concept often adopted by religions, such as spiritualism.
One common reference to the greater good suggests:
“At its core, the greater good refers to the idea that some actions or decisions are justified if they benefit the majority of people, even if they may cause harm or inconvenience to a minority.”
The idea of the greater good is often invoked in political, social, and ethical contexts, and its implications can be complex and controversial. On the one hand, the concept suggests that sacrificing individual interests for the sake of the common good is necessary and justifiable in certain circumstances. On the other hand, it can also be argued that the greater good can be used as a justification for oppressive policies and actions that benefit the powerful at the expense of the marginalized. One example of the greater good in action is the decision to impose taxes to fund public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. While some individuals may object to the idea of having to pay taxes, it can be argued that the greater good is served by having a well-funded public sector that benefits the majority of people.
Another example of the greater good is the idea of herd immunity in public health. Vaccination is a crucial tool in protecting individuals from infectious diseases, as we recently discovered with the covid pandemic. But it also has wider benefits for society as a whole. Those that chose not to be vaccinated, now benefit from the greater good of the others that did. When enough people are vaccinated, the risk of an outbreak is reduced, which protects vulnerable individuals who may not be able to receive the vaccine. This is an example of how individual sacrifices can benefit the larger community.
THE GREATER GOOD v THE COMMON GOOD
The greater good can also be used to justify actions that are morally dubious or oppressive. For example, some governments may use the greater good as a justification for authoritarian policies that limit individual freedoms and civil liberties. In these cases, the idea of the greater good can become a tool of oppression, rather than a means of promoting the common good.
The concept of the greater good is a complex and multifaceted idea that has both positive and negative implications. While it can be used to justify policies that benefit most people, it can also be used to justify actions that harm minorities or limit individual freedom. As such, any invocation of the greater good must be carefully scrutinized and evaluated to ensure that it truly serves the common good and does not perpetuate injustice or oppression.
THE GREATER GOOD IN SPIRITUALISM
In spiritualism, the concept of the greater good is often associated with the idea of universal consciousness or the interconnectedness of all beings. It refers to the belief that our actions and decisions should be guided by a sense of compassion, empathy, and altruism towards others, rather than by self-interest or ego.
In spiritual traditions, the greater good is often seen as a path to enlightenment or spiritual growth. By prioritizing the needs of others and working towards the betterment of society, individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, and connect with something greater than themselves.
One notions suggests that the greater good is expressed in spiritual traditions is through the concept of karma. Karma refers to the idea that our actions have consequences, both in this life and in future lives. By acting with compassion and kindness towards others, we create positive karma that can help us on our spiritual journey. Conversely, by acting selfishly or harming others, we create negative karma that can impede our progress.
Another way that the concept of the greater good is expressed in spiritual traditions is through the idea of service. Many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of serving others as a means of expressing love and compassion. By serving others, individuals can cultivate humility, gratitude, and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings.
Though the concept of the greater good may appear to be a lifestyle choice, it can also be adapted for use in more personal decisions and actions.
“Should I go out with my friends tonight or should I spend time at home working on my spiritualistic unfoldment?” or “Should I spend more time reading up on mediumship and healing or should I meditate instead?”
Questions that only the querent can decide what actions to take. But their answers may not be for the greater good!
WHERE’S THE EVIDENCE OF THE GREATER GOOD AROUND US?
It is everywhere around us and in abundance. Our society is often quoted as being close to anarchy. Nothing could be further from the truth. A few bad apples, a few wrong ‘uns gathering together for mischief sells newspapers but does not reflect the views of society as a whole. If bad stuff makes good news, why do we watch it, and why are we drawn to the negative headline? Often, it is because someone else’s misfortune can make us feel inferior individually. Knowing others are suffering gives us some ironic form of comfort. We have the safety and peacefulness of our castles to protect us.
Let me share a story with you that I know I’ve shared before, but it serves as one of my favourite examples of TGG in action.
I was staying at a hotel during a holiday in Lanzarote. The guest’s sunbeds were alongside the beach. Between the sea and the sunbeds was a small boundary wall and a well-used coastal path leading from one resort to the next. It was in constant use.
Most days, Jane and I sat on our sunbeds and watched all the people passing by. We’d often talk about where each of their homes might be. People-watching is something most of us enjoy doing on holiday!
This one morning, I decided to have a meditation. I settled down and closed my eyes with only the sound of the waves and people quietly chatting as they passed by. I then heard a voice in my mind.
“ So you want to know about the greater good and where it is in your society? What are you hearing right now? The sound of waves, yes. And the sounds from tens of people happily going about their holiday as they pass you by. They are happy, yes? They are content?”
“Are they all living good and wholesome lives? Do you not think that amongst them are a few that are criminals, thieves, and violent people? Do you not realise that individually some of the people passing you by have dark thoughts and skeletons in their wardrobes?”
“But they’ve come to this beautiful location to have a good time. They’ve left their troubles at home. They want to be seen as good people while they’re enjoying their holiday. They are conforming to the rules, because those rules serve to make their holidays special.”
“There are individuals passing you by right now that you would not normally like or want to be associated with. Yet here, they are friendly, smiling and happy people, even though that is not a real reflection of their actual lives. What you are seeing is a wonderful example of the power of the greater good at work.”
“The greater good is so powerful here that everyone is conforming to and for the greater good. Peace and harmony. Happiness and relaxation. Sunshine and contentment. Generally, the energy around is one of the greater good.”
As I sum up this episode on the greater good, I know that much more could be philosophically discussed about the concept. To a greater extent, the greater good must be a model of life that you alone develop for yourself. What do you believe you could be doing more to make your soul content? How do you feel you fit in the bigger picture? What are your contributions to the greater good? Better still, what is your understanding of it?
READER’S FEEDBACK
The following comments were posted when this article was originally published
6th March 2023: M. Bolli
“Dear Trevor, sadly you continue to insinuate that the unvaccinated spread covid. When enough people are vaccinated, the risk of an outbreak is reduced. This was a lie spread by governments and the media. The covid vaccine was meant to reduce symptoms of the ill, not to reduce transmission. Much love, Marianne”
Author Response: Trevor Baldwin
“I’ve thought about this, since your comment. If the vaccine does nothing more than reduce the symptoms, then you are absolutely correct and I was wrong in suggesting differently. However, surely we have enough evidence now to suggest that the vaccine did more than just ease our symptoms. Those vaccinated appear to have inadvertently not allowed the virus to spread. The symptoms are dramatically reduced and the virus is killed off within their body much quicker. Therefore the virus is limited in being able to build up and spread.”
“I don’t know whether this is correct or not. I base my assumption on the fact that the virus has been dramatically reduced in our communities. Why is that? Is it just a natural course that the virus has evolved to, or is it because there are fewer hosts for it to survive?”
“Again, my point of view is emotive. Thank you so much for your comments, they are most certainly, always welcome.”
9th March 2023: M. Bolli
“Hi Trevor, it is an explosive topic. Many were vilified for their personal decisions. Nazi like comments were made on both sides. Maybe it is a good topic for the closet? What did humanity actually go through during the pandemic?”
Author Response: Trevor Baldwin
“It was a very dark period of time, that is for certain. It brought out the worst and equally the best in our societies. But we might also consider that the greater good succeeded. Thank you Marianne.”