Why Doing Good Still Matters

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“Do something for those who need a man’s help—something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”
—Albert Schweitzer

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
—Winston Churchill

These words have stayed with me for years. They point toward a simple truth: the things that matter most are rarely the things we’re paid for. They’re the quiet gestures we offer freely—the help no one sees, the encouragement no one asks for, the kindness that expects nothing in return.

Those quotes still raise an important question:

What do we enjoy doing so much that we would do it for free?
And how often does that same thing bring joy, confidence, or comfort to someone else?

When we find those moments—where what we love intersects with what others need—we discover a kind of purpose that isn’t tied to achievement or recognition. It’s tied to being useful, present, and human.

Sometimes doing good doesn’t require a grand plan; it just requires noticing where you can add something meaningful.

Which is Greater, to be an intellectual or to be a good person? →

I revisited and expanded this reflection in August 2025, adding new insights and a few deeper questions.

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Does your universe see you? Of course, it does because you create your universe in everything you do and your actions. The question is, do you know who you are?

Both intellect and goodness inspire me. Some people in our lives stand out for having one or the other of these traits, and a few stand out for both.

When we look at our own life experiences and those of others we have encountered and ask ourselves who has one or the other of these two traits - the more common or universal trait to come to mind is those who are good people.

Goodness exists in abundance and is what it is, not because it surpasses the worth of others, but because it is present. On the other hand, intellect stands out partly because it sets one apart from others.

Of these two traits, the satisfaction in my life is more profound for those that reflect goodness because it seems to be the essence of the person’s identity. In contrast, those I have known who have struck me as intellectual have not left me with the impression that the scope of their insight and knowledge is manifested in all they do.

Why is Good, Good: Is the reason the intent, or is it the result? →

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What is it about things that people do that make them good? This question can be approached by trying to present what is considered good and comparing it to what is considered harmful. This suggests that all good things have opposites, meaning there is value in looking for the opposite virtue and comparing.

“Doing good” is a short way of saying doing good deeds and doing things that are good for others, and performing actions that benefit people other than oneself.

“Doing well” might mean “good enough” rather than good? Even so, doing well would mean achieving a healthy equilibrium for oneself, reaching personal goals, and attaining a good measure of worldly happiness.

If a person intends to do good, but the outcome is terrible, is intent the measure, or is it the result? The answer is that intent is not the measure of goodness- good is.

The opposite question would be if a person intended to harm and good came from the effort, then was that person doing good or bad. The intent might be the object of the person’s actions rather than the results, but still, the effects outweigh the goal.

In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis said there is “A Universal Moral Law.” Finding the applicable law would certainly help with this type of question.