In the hustle that is life, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind of chasing down achievements and external validation. 

But beneath the surface, a deeper question lingers:  Are we good people?  

Goodness isn’t a singular act of heroism or a trophy on a shelf. It’s woven into the fabric of our character, the choices we make, and the way we navigate the world.  

It’s no coincidence that goodness is the central focus of all world religions. While they might have different ideas about how to get there, all forms of spirituality seek after the good. 

Most of them also set out guidelines for how to be a good person — externally and internally. 

So, how do we know if we’re on the right track? 

Here are 10 signs that you might be a genuinely good human being who radiates kindness and makes a positive ripple effect in the world around you.

1) You’re an empathy extraordinaire

Imagine you’re having a terrible day, and a friend walks in beaming because they got a promotion.  

Can you truly share their joy, even amidst your own woes?

Empathy is the ability to step into another person’s shoes and understand their feelings. And it’s a cornerstone of being good. 

Wouldn’t you agree?

It’s more than just feeling sorry for someone – it’s about truly feeling what they feel.  

This emotional intelligence lets us build deeper connections and offer support that resonates. 

We all know how to offer generic words of support, but people want to feel seen. 

And to truly see someone, you also need to feel them. 

For instance, if a friend is grieving a loss, you might offer a shoulder to cry on instead of trying to fix the situation with empty platitudes.

They don’t want your clichés — they want your compassion.

2) Compassion is your guiding principle

Feeling sorry for someone going through a tough time is a natural human response. 

But true goodness goes beyond sympathy – it compels you to take action. 

Compassion is empathy in motion.  

Compassionate people are driven to alleviate other people’s suffering, big or small. 

They might

• Volunteer their time at a homeless shelter
• Donate to causes they care about
• Offer a helping hand to a struggling neighbor

Imagine you see an elderly person struggling with groceries. 

A compassionate person wouldn’t just offer a sympathetic smile – they’d step in and help them carry their bags to the car.

3) You own up to your mistakes

Stepping on someone’s toes, forgetting a birthday, or sending an embarrassing text – it happens to the best of us. 

We all make mistakes.  

But taking responsibility for your actions is a sign of true character. 

Good people don’t shy away from admitting faults. They don’t hesitate 

Rather, they offer sincere apologies when they’ve done wrong. 

I vividly remember a time when I borrowed a book from a friend.

I should mention that this friend is quite precious about his book collection. He deliberately buys special editions, keeps them all in new condition and hardly ever borrows them. 

One day when I was reading it at a café, I accidentally spilled coffee all over it.  

Even though I felt like just telling him I lost it, I had to tell him the truth. 

While he wasn’t thrilled, he appreciated my honesty.  

4) You’re a champion for other people’s victories

Let’s be honest, a pang of jealousy can creep in when someone you know smashes their goals. 

Maybe your colleague lands the dream promotion you secretly desired, or your friend finally publishes a novel while your still getting the nerve to write one.

But here’s the thing about being a good person: you push that jealousy aside and celebrate their victories with them.

It’s not about diminishing your own dreams. 

Their success doesn’t somehow lessen your own chance to shine. 

Imagine it like a giant pie of awesomeness – there’s plenty to go around. 

5) You stand up for what’s right, even if it scares you

Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy. 

It might mean speaking against injustice, even if it puts you at odds with the crowd. 

Good people have a strong moral compass. 

They stand up for what they believe in, even when it’s uncomfortable. 

This might involve calling out a friend for making a discriminatory remark, or advocating for a cause you believe in, even if it’s unpopular.  

While butterflies might flutter in your stomach, good people know that staying silent in the face of wrongdoing is being complicit. 

6) You’re a master of forgiveness

Holding onto grudges is scientifically linked to higher stress and anxiety. 

One study found that forgiveness can lower blood pressure and lead to feelings of greater well-being. 

I once held onto anger at a friend for a long time, but letting go felt like a weight lifting off my chest. It wasn’t about condoning their actions, but freeing myself to move on.

Grudges are like heavy anchors – they weigh you down and prevent you from moving forward.  

Good people understand the power of forgiveness. 

They choose to release resentment, not necessarily for the other person’s sake, but for their own peace of mind.  

This doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or condoning the other person’s actions. Forgiveness is a personal decision that allows you to let go of negativity and emotional baggage.

A good person wouldn’t stew in anger forever. They might confront the friend, but ultimately choose to forgive themself and move on with a lighter heart.  

This doesn’t mean the friendship automatically heals, but forgiveness allows you to detach from the emotional turmoil and focus on positive relationships.

7) You’re a giver 

Life isn’t a one-way street. 

If you understand the importance of reciprocity in relationships, it’s a pretty good sign. You might underestimate it, but the sad truth is, there are people who only know how to take. 

Not good people, though. They give their time, energy, and resources freely, without expecting anything in return. 

8) You embrace vulnerability

Strength isn’t having all the answers or projecting an image of flawlessness. 

In fact, the opposite is true. 

Studies show that having an unrelenting desire to present as perfect is a sign of serious self-esteem issues. 

Sharing your struggles, fears, and imperfections allows others to see you as a human, warts and all. 

It creates a space for 

• Empathy
• Shared experiences
• Deeper bonds

Imagine giving a presentation and admitting you’re a bit nervous but passionate about the topic. This vulnerability can disarm your audience and make your message even more impactful.

9) You care for the underdog

Seeing injustice or those less fortunate can spark a fire in a good person’s heart. 

They stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, using their voice or actions to advocate for equality and fairness. 

Caring about the underdog is a natural byproduct of having high empathy — and the world needs more people like that. 

Do you find yourself being pulled to help people even if you don’t know them? 

Do you feel deeply when you see people sleeping on the street? 

Do you care about everyone having the same rights and privileges? 

If so, it’s a sign your heart is in the right place — a thing to be grateful for.

10) You practice gratitude

Did you know that practicing gratitude is linked to feeling a greater satisfaction in life? 

Well, it’s true. 

People who practice gratitude also tend to be more kind. 

Do you wake up every morning and thank the stars for your good fortune? 

Do you share your gifts with others who are less well-off than yourself? 

Practicing gratitude elevates your existence in so many ways. 

But how do you practice it? 

You could try 

• Gratitude journaling 
• Consciously savoring good moments
• Being mindful 

Last thoughts

We’d all like to believe we’re good human beings. And perhaps many of us are. 

Most of us are nuanced characters harboring both good and bad characteristics within us. Capable of kindness and cruelty. 

You know you’re a truly good human being if you give without seeking anything in return, or if you do what’s right even when it feels wrong. 

If you’re one of those people who feel for the underdogs of society and don’t just shout about it, but actually do something, you’ve got the qualities of a truly good person.