What is the summum bonum (greatest good)?

[PrinceOfTheWest]

I thought I'd start a thread for the discussion of a classical philosophical/theological topic: what is the greatest good of human life (in Latin this is summum bonum)?

Clearly we're going to get a lot of different answers and points of view. Is the greatest good to live a peaceful life and die a painless death? What do things like the entertainment media imply are the greatest goods? What do various religions and schools of philosophy have to say on the matter?

As far as your personal view: do you see it as something totally subjective and personal, like your style of writing or taste in clothing? Or do you see it as a reflection of some absolute, something that lies outside yourself? If it's something external, how do you know about this, and why do you believe that source?

Let me give an example: in the movie Troy, there's a scene where Hector is rallying his troops to beat off the Greek amphibian invasion of the beaches of Troy. With only a couple seconds to spare before leading them into battle, he cries this to them:"All my life I've lived by a code, and that code is simple. Honour the gods, love your woman, and defend your country. Troy is mother to us all - defend her!"
Regardless of what you think of the movie, that scene was powerful and illuminating. At a point of crisis like that, men strip away extraneous matters and deal with central issues. What does that summary say about Hector's summum bonum? What's truly important to him, and why do you think that is?

[Solya]

The greatest good in human life, to me, is the ability to love and be loved. It reflects the absolute of divinity (the absolute of God and Creation itself) but it is also entirely personal at the same time. :) It is the one thing I cannot live without -- which no one should have to live without! -- because without it my life will hold no meaning but the feeling of being here on Earth without a purpose. My code has always been "if by my life or death I can protect those I love, I will" and since I walk in tune with nature this code has strengthened and expanded to include all of mankind.

I think that everyone will have a different greatest good, depending on the way they perceive themselves and their environment. :) Some will find that materialistic things are the greatest goods of them all -- fueled, most likely, by the entertainment industry/media -- but others will say that the greatest good of all cannot be touched. I belong to the last category. One cannot touch this greatest good of all because all you have to do is open up and feel it soar through your spirit.

My own greatest good can be found both inside of yourself and outside of yourself. (Actually, there's no difference between outside and inside but the things you can touch with your hands... tangible reality distinguishes a difference, while in reality all is one.) You were created by God with Pure Love and you give yourself back to God with the purest form of Love you can reach. By being alive, you offer God your Love. My greatest good lies in the hands of God and it is the one thing which prevents me from going absolutely insane.

[LifeMaiden]

I always think of a quote from Maximus in GLADIATOR.

" What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

And Colonel William Pegram, one of the most brilliant young Confederate artillery colonels of the Civil War, would always say to his men before a battle commenced, " FOR GOD AND COUNTRY."


Strive to live your life to the fullest and love those around you even if you don't always love what they do or say. The greatest good is to love and accept others, and forgive their tresspasses.

[EveningStar]

For me the greatest good is to be part of God's extended family, to assume the role and to accept the blessings, return the love and uphold the responsibilities.

Or as I say the meaning of life is to live. Let God ascribe a higher purpose to it for only he understands it. Much as a clock fulfils its purpose though it does not fully understand it.

[echoscot]

I love the quote from Gladiator that IM used. I usually try to do at least one thing to make my world, my little area of influence, a better place for someone each day. Let them know they are loved unconditionally, let them feel accepted for who they are, not what they have done or not done. And now the Mea Culpa, I am not very good at it sometimes and have gone to bed regretting stupid comments or actions that I may have done that negated the impact I was trying to have, and ask God, humbly and quietly for a chance to undo the harm I may have caused and the courage to step out and do it.

[Narborg]

For me the greatest good is to be part of God's extended family, to assume the role and to accept the blessings, return the love and uphold the responsibilities.

Or as I say the meaning of life is to live. Let God ascribe a higher purpose to it for only he understands it. Much as a clock fulfils its purpose though it does not fully understand it.


Well said Evening Star. I totally agree. The greatest good is to live the way were created to: in relationship with the living God and with others.

[inkspot]

Lately, in the past couple years, I have become focused on allowing Christ to express His life through mine. For me, I would have to say this is the greatest good: for Christ to express Himself through me.

I do not think, however, this idea would be useful on a battle field like Hector in PoTW's original post: if at the moment he needed to go out and slaughter people, the best he could rally the troops with was "Let Christ express Himself in you, men!" it might not have the effect he wanted. :( What does that mean, I wonder? That it isn't a viable greatest good, or that Christians should never be warriors?

[PrinceOfTheWest]

Interestingly, that could be an expression of the greatest good under those circumstances - you'd just have to trace back to what the root good was. In that particular situation, the root good was the peace, harmony, and fruitfulness of the city and families. It was that which was being protected. The fighting itself was not the good, but was a necessary struggle to protect the good. In the sense that Christ is a defender of the innocent and the good, it was (in a distance sense) a call to let Christ shine through them.

(Understanding, of course, that the legendary setting was more than a millenium before Christ.)

[ramandu's_daughter]

I thought I'd start a thread for the discussion of a classical philosophical/theological topic: what is the greatest good of human life (in Latin this is summum bonum)?

Or do you see it as a reflection of some absolute, something that lies outside yourself? If it's something external, how do you know about this, and why do you believe that source?

this may be off topic but I will say it anyway. I think, sort of, that the stars are good. they are how I define myself. There are 7 stars...I have only found 6 though. they have peace and harmony, dancing to a song no one knows...they give joy and calmness to me. and that, my friends, is what good is to me.

[inkspot]

What do you mean, stars? I am not following ...