andamu

"The unexamined life is not worth living," says Plato. The capability for self-reflection is uniquely human, although I would not go so far as to say that therefore its exercise is imperative and definitive. If that were the case, several other less savory characteristics particular to humans would have to be viewed the same way, just because animals do not indulge in that kind of behavior.

Self-examination includes the investigation of motives and evaluation of results of actions and beliefs. It is through reflection that the opportunity for growth exists. But it is a fallacy to assume that just because someone reflects on their life that they will improve. The conclusions drawn need to be acted upon in order to effect change.

The Nice and The GoodIris Murdoch makes this point rather well in The Nice and The Good. The central character, Ducane, endlessly ponders not only the nature of "good" but also his character and conduct - he desires them to be good - but he is almost paralyzed by this agonizing, in the end acting in ways that might be nice but certainly are not good.

She also demonstrates that while "nice" is frequently popular, "good" is not necessarily so.

Now, for all of you thinking that "it sounds like a really boring book; I should remember to give it a miss," let me add that it contains two suspicious deaths and an investigation, government secrets and several love triangles, a daring rescue, flying saucers, puppy love, travel to distant countries and magic pagan rituals, not to mention several different mysteries!

PS: The title comes from a South African performer whose song was later turned into the slogan for a KFC-type outlet. It is merely a phonetic spelling for "It's good, it's nice"