The 9 core traits of a genuinely good person, according to psychology

There are some specific traits that truly good people possess. These traits set them apart and give them the ability to make a positive impact on the world around them.
This isn’t about being a saint or striving for perfection. It’s about embracing our human nature and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the 9 core traits of a genuinely good person, as identified by psychology.
So buckle up, it’s time for some introspection and self-discovery.
1) Empathy
The cornerstone of a genuinely good person, according to psychology, is the ability to empathize.
Empathy goes beyond simple understanding. It’s about feeling what another person is feeling, stepping into their shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.
It’s not always easy, and it certainly requires a level of emotional intelligence. Yet, it’s a trait that truly good people possess in abundance.
Empathetic people are not just observers of other people’s experiences. They feel with them, they share their joys, their pains, their hopes and fears.
And this empathy drives them to act, to help, to comfort… because they care. They genuinely care about the well-being of others.
2) Integrity
Integrity is another key trait that psychology pinpoints in genuinely good people. It’s about being honest, true to your word, and standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult.
Let me share a personal experience. I once found myself in a situation where my boss made a decision that I felt was ethically wrong.
It was a tough spot to be in. Speaking up meant potentially jeopardizing my job, but staying silent would go against my principles.
After much consideration, I decided to voice my concerns. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.
But in the end, it paid off. My boss reconsidered his decision and appreciated my honesty.
That experience taught me the value of integrity. It’s not always an easy path to take, but it’s the one that leads to respect and trust.
3) Altruism
Altruism is a fundamental characteristic of a genuinely good person.
It’s all about putting others before oneself and doing good for the sake of it, not because you’re expecting something in return.
Did you know that there are some species of ants that exhibit this trait? When a worker ant finds food, it doesn’t eat it alone.
Instead, it returns to the colony and shares the food with others.
In human terms, this could translate to volunteering at a local charity, helping out a neighbor in need or simply sharing your lunch with a homeless person.
It’s these acts of selflessness that make a person genuinely good.
They don’t do it for recognition or reward; they do it because they believe it’s the right thing to do.
4) Responsibility
Taking responsibility for one’s actions is a meaningful trait found in genuinely good individuals.
It’s about owning up to your mistakes, accepting the consequences, and taking necessary steps to make things right.
Whether it’s picking up litter on a hike or voting in an election, responsible people understand that every action (or inaction) has an impact.
Being responsible shows a respect for others and for the world we live in.
It’s about being accountable and not shying away from our duties, no matter how big or small they might be.
5) Respect for others
Respect is a universal virtue, and it’s a key trait of a genuinely good person. It means valuing others for who they are, not what they can do for you or what you want them to be.
A good person respects differences and values diversity. But respect goes beyond just tolerating differences.
It’s actively listening to others, showing kindness in your interactions, and treating people with the dignity they deserve.
A genuinely good person knows that respect isn’t just about how you treat people to their face, but how you regard them in your heart.
And this respect extends to all – friends, strangers, and even those with whom they disagree.
6) Compassion
At the heart of a genuinely good person is a wellspring of compassion.
This trait goes hand in hand with empathy and altruism, forming a trifecta of goodness.
Compassion is about more than just feeling sorry for someone.
It’s about understanding their pain, their struggle, their journey… and reaching out in whatever way you can to lighten their load.
Compassion could be as simple as a kind word or as significant as a grand gesture. But, at its core, it’s about love and caring so deeply for your fellow human beings that their pain becomes your pain, their joy your joy.
It’s a beautiful quality that can move mountains and bridge divides.
And it’s the heartbeat of every genuinely good person.
7) Humility
Humility is recognizing that we’re all part of a larger whole, and no one is inherently better or worse than anyone else.
I remember a time when I achieved something significant in my career.
While it was tempting to bask in the limelight, I realized that my achievement was not just my own.
It was the result of countless individuals who had supported me, believed in me, and helped me along the way.
This realization was a powerful lesson in humility. It reminded me that success is rarely a solo journey and that every person we meet has a role to play in our lives.
Humility keeps us grounded. It reminds us to be thankful and to never take for granted the people and experiences that shape us.
8) Patience
Patience is often overlooked, but it’s a vital trait for a genuinely good person. It’s understanding that things take time and that everyone moves at their own pace.
Patience is a form of respect. It shows that you value people and processes enough to give them the time they need.
A good person knows that patience is not just a virtue; it’s a necessity in our fast-paced world.
It’s a trait that allows us to navigate life with grace, understanding, and peace.
9) Authenticity
Authenticity, arguably the most important trait of all, rounds out our list. Being true to oneself and living in alignment with your beliefs and values.
A genuinely good person doesn’t pretend to be someone they’re not. They don’t hide their faults or pretend to be perfect. They embrace their imperfections and work towards becoming better.
Authenticity is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Genuinely good people know that being genuine is more important than being liked.
Because at the end of the day, authenticity is not just about being true to ourselves, but also about being true to the world around us.
Final thoughts: Cultivating goodness
The beauty of these traits is that they aren’t exclusive or elusive. They can be nurtured and developed, regardless of our age or circumstance.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
It’s a resonating truth that serves as a reminder that goodness isn’t just about grand gestures or heroic acts.
It’s the small choices we make every day – to listen, to empathize, to help, to respect, and to love.
Cultivating these traits doesn’t just make us good individuals; it makes us catalysts for goodness in the world.
As we embody these traits, we inspire others around us to do the same.
Remember, the journey towards being a genuinely good person is a lifelong one, filled with growth, self-discovery, and an abundance of love.