Do Good And Good Will Come To You

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“Do good and good will come to you.”

The Principle of Reciprocity in Action

This timeless adage speaks to the principle of reciprocity, a fundamental aspect of human social interaction. It suggests that acts of kindness and goodness have a way of returning to the giver, often in unexpected ways. This isn’t just a moral or ethical suggestion; it’s a concept that has been observed and studied in various social and psychological contexts. The idea is that when we put out positivity and goodness into the world, it sets off a chain of events that eventually circles back to us.

Understanding Karma

In many cultures and philosophies, this concept is closely aligned with the idea of karma. Karma, a term rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, posits that every action has a corresponding reaction, either in this life or the next. While the saying “Do good and good will come to you” doesn’t explicitly reference spiritual or religious contexts, it echoes the same sentiment: our actions have consequences, and positive actions tend to yield positive results.

The Psychological Benefits of Doing Good

Engaging in acts of goodness and kindness isn’t just beneficial for those on the receiving end; it also has profound psychological benefits for the giver. Studies in psychology have shown that helping others can boost our mood, increase our sense of life satisfaction, and even improve our physical health. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the “helper’s high,” a state of euphoria and increased well-being following selfless acts of kindness.

Social Impact and Community Building

On a broader scale, the practice of doing good has a ripple effect on society. Acts of kindness and generosity contribute to building a sense of community and trust within social groups. This fosters a more cohesive, supportive, and nurturing environment, where individuals feel more connected and valued.

Historical Anecdote I: Alexander The Great

According to legend, when Alexander was a young boy, he saw a merchant unloading a ship of valuable goods. When the merchant realized Alexander was watching him, he said to the boy, “You will be a great conqueror someday, but first you must learn to be honest and just.” Alexander replied, “I will be greater than any conqueror before me, but I will never forget your words.”

As he grew older, Alexander went on to conquer vast territories, but his ambition and greed ultimately led to his downfall. He died at a young age, leaving behind a legacy of conquest but also of violence and destruction. The story of Alexander illustrates how actions have consequences, and how one’s character can ultimately determine their fate.

Historical Anecdote II: The Emperor Nero

The Roman emperor Nero ruled from 54-68 CE. He oppressed the populace through tyranny, extravagance, and suspected arson and murder. Nero reportedly murdered his own mother and first wife.

Ancient accounts depict Nero as a narcissistic ruler who plundered Rome’s coffers for his own pleasure while severely neglecting governance. He was rumored to have started the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE to clear land for his palace.

Nero blamed Christians for the fire and inflicted horrific violence upon them as scapegoats. His brutal persecution of this minority group turned public favor sharply against him.

After barely surviving multiple assassination plots, Nero’s tyrannical reign finally ended when the Praetorian Guard declared him a public enemy in 68 CE. He was condemned to death by public execution as punishment for his oppression. The Senate ordered Nero’s name and honors expunged from memory.

Nero’s downfall exemplifies the concept “as you sow, so shall you reap” – his vicious mistreatment of citizens precipitated his violent overthrow. The depraved corruption Nero inflicted on Rome rebounded upon him through the fiery destruction of his reign. In brutalizing others, Nero ultimately sealed his own bitter fate – reaping the consequences of what he had sown.

Ironically, Nero himself acted as an agent of providence on certain occasions; further illustrating the complex character of this notorious figure: During the reign of Nero in ancient Rome, a wealthy senator by the name of Vedius Pollio harbored a deep-seated animosity towards his servants. Pollio often treated them with utmost cruelty, subjecting them to appalling punishments for even the slightest mistakes. One of these unfortunate servants accidentally broke a crystal cup while serving his master.

In response to this mishap, Pollio ordered that the servant be thrown into one of his massive fish ponds, inhabited by vicious and oversized lampreys. These bloodthirsty creatures were known for their powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth that could inflict excruciating pain.

News of this incident reached the ears of the philosopher and statesman Seneca, who was a close advisor to the young Emperor Nero. Seneca, appalled by Pollio’s horrific punishment, intervened and freed the servant from his impending fate. He then urged Nero to address this grievous act, believing that it exemplified the dangerous exercise of unrestrained power by the elite.

Nero, influenced by Seneca’s teachings, summoned Pollio to the imperial court and accused him of excessive cruelty over the years. The emperor, determined to correct Pollio’s behavior, ordered that all of the senator’s precious cups and crystalware be gathered and thrown into the same fish pond. Witnessing the destruction of his beloved possessions was a devastating blow to Pollio, who realized the severity of his actions.

Historical Anecdote III: Alfred Nobel

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, made a fortune from his invention of dynamite in 1867. While dynamite was initially developed for constructive purposes like building infrastructure and mining, it eventually became widely used in warfare. Nobel’s intentions were to create something that would benefit humanity, but the realization of its destructive potential deeply troubled him.

The turning point in Nobel’s life came in 1888 when his brother Ludvig died. A French newspaper mistakenly published Alfred’s obituary instead of Ludvig’s. The obituary was damning, referring to Alfred Nobel as the “merchant of death” and stating that he had become rich by finding ways to “kill more people faster than ever before.” This premature obituary, essentially allowing Nobel to read what the world thought of him, profoundly affected him.

Realizing that he might be remembered only for contributing to more efficient ways of killing people, Nobel decided to change his legacy. He bequeathed the vast majority of his wealth to establish the Nobel Prizes, which were to be awarded annually without distinction of nationality. The prizes were for those who had conferred the “greatest benefit to humankind” in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace.

Alfred Nobel’s story is a striking example of “As you sow, so shall you reap.” It shows how Nobel sowed the seeds of both destruction and redemption. His creation of dynamite led to unintended negative consequences, but his conscious decision to establish the Nobel Prizes allowed him to sow new seeds of positivity and contribution to human progress. It reflects the power of self-reflection and the ability to redirect one’s path – changing what one sows and, consequently, what one reaps.

Historical Anecdote IV: Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, a major political and spiritual leader in India, championed the philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience. His approach was rooted in the belief that the means used to achieve an end are as important as the end itself. This belief was put into practice through a series of nonviolent protests and movements against the British colonial rule in India.

One of the most notable of these movements was the Salt March of 1930. The British had imposed a salt tax and prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt, a staple in the Indian diet. In response, Gandhi organized a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea, where he produced salt from seawater, defying the British law. This act of nonviolent resistance sparked widespread support and numerous similar acts across India.

Gandhi’s approach of sowing seeds of peace and nonviolence reaped significant results. His commitment to these principles garnered international attention and support, eventually contributing to India’s independence from British rule in 1947. The success of his nonviolent methods left a lasting impact on the world, influencing various civil rights movements and leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States.

This story of Gandhi’s leadership in the Indian independence movement demonstrates the principle of “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Gandhi sowed the seeds of nonviolence and truth, and in doing so, he reaped the fruits of freedom and justice, not only for India but as an enduring legacy for peace movements worldwide. His life and actions serve as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of patience, persistence, and moral integrity in bringing about profound social change.

Daily Affirmation

“Today, I commit to doing good in the world, trusting that my actions will contribute positively to my life and those around me. I believe in the power of kindness and goodness to create a cycle of positivity.”

Related Inspirational Quotes

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop”

Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. – Scott Adams”

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. – Mahatma Gandhi”

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. – Jane Goodall”

Give out what you most want to come back. – Robin Sharma”