Snackz logo
The Meaning of Good

G. Lowes Dickinson

243 Pages
2016

The Meaning of Good

Routledge

Below is just an AI summary! If you really want to learn something:

โšก Free 3min Summary

The Meaning of Good - Summary

What is the ultimate meaning of 'good'? Is it a fixed concept, or does it shift with the tides of individual perception? In this thought-provoking philosophical dialogue, G. Lowes Dickinson invites readers to join a captivating discourse exploring the very essence of what constitutes a good life. Through a diverse cast of characters, each embodying different perspectives, Dickinson masterfully dissects the complexities of morality, happiness, and the pursuit of a life well-lived.

Key Ideas

1

The Subjectivity of Good

Dickinson challenges the notion of an absolute, universally accepted definition of 'good.' He posits that our understanding of good is shaped by personal experiences, cultural influences, and individual values. Through the varied opinions voiced by his characters โ€“ a poet advocating for aesthetic pleasure, a moralist emphasizing duty, and a hedonist pursuing sensual gratification โ€“ Dickinson highlights the inherent subjectivity embedded in our judgments of good.

2

The Interplay of Pleasure and Happiness

The dialogue delves into the intricate relationship between pleasure and true happiness. While acknowledging the allure of immediate gratification, Dickinson argues that a life solely focused on pleasure is ultimately unfulfilling. He suggests that genuine happiness stems from a more holistic approach, encompassing intellectual pursuits, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose beyond fleeting moments of pleasure.

3

The Imperfect Nature of Good

Recognizing the limitations of human experience, Dickinson argues against the possibility of achieving a state of perfect, unadulterated good. He proposes that the inherent flaws and imperfections of life are not necessarily detrimental to a meaningful existence. Instead, he suggests that embracing these complexities and striving for growth amidst imperfection contribute to a richer, more authentic understanding of the good.

FAQ's

Absolutely! While written in the early 20th century, the book's exploration of timeless questions regarding morality, happiness, and the meaning of life remains profoundly relevant today. Dickinson's insights into the subjective nature of 'good' and the pursuit of a fulfilling life continue to resonate with modern readers grappling with similar existential questions.

Yes. Dickinson presents complex philosophical ideas through an engaging dialogue format, making the subject matter accessible and thought-provoking for readers with varying levels of philosophical background. The characters' relatable voices and their diverse perspectives on the nature of 'good' provide an engaging entry point into these profound questions.

Readers can anticipate embarking on a journey of self-reflection and intellectual stimulation. The dialogue encourages introspection into one's own values and definition of a good life. Dickinson's work serves as a catalyst for critical thinking, urging readers to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas and to continuously re-evaluate their own understanding of 'good' in a constantly evolving world.

Enjoyed the sneak peak? Get the full summary!

Explore Books

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property Law

Commercial, Creative and Industrial Property

Jay Dratler, Jr., Stephen M. McJohn

1386 Pages
2023
Starling House

Starling House

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick that is the perfect dark Gothic fairytale for autumn!

Alix E. Harrow

392 Pages
2023
Age as Disease

Age as Disease

Anti-Aging Technologies, Sites and Practices

David-Jack Fletcher

349 Pages
2021
The Biz

The Biz

The Basic Business, Legal, and Financial Aspects of the Film Industry in a Digital World

Schuyler M. Moore

0 Pages
2018
The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed

The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed

The Definitive Book on Value Investing

Benjamin Graham

642 Pages
2009
Loose-Leaf for Strategic Management

Loose-Leaf for Strategic Management

Frank T. Rothaermel

576 Pages
2020
Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary

A Novel

Andy Weir

497 Pages
2021
We Do Not Part

We Do Not Part

A Novel

Han Kang

0 Pages
2025
Moonwalking with Einstein

Moonwalking with Einstein

The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

Joshua Foer

341 Pages
2011
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels

Blood, Sweat, and Pixels

The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made

Jason Schreier

312 Pages
2017
Ali Cross

Ali Cross

James Patterson

201 Pages
2019
A River of Golden Bones (The Golden Court, Book 1)

A River of Golden Bones (The Golden Court, Book 1)

A.K. Mulford

421 Pages
2023
Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Pete the Cat Stories

Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Pete the Cat Stories

Includes 12 Groovy Stories!

James Dean

0 Pages
2017
Liquid Love

Liquid Love

On the Frailty of Human Bonds

Zygmunt Bauman

178 Pages
2013
The Human Stain

The Human Stain

Philip Roth

405 Pages
2010
Good Omens

Good Omens

The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett

434 Pages
2011
Theories of Underdevelopment

Theories of Underdevelopment

Ian Roxborough

198 Pages
1979
The 5 AM Club

The 5 AM Club

Sharma, Robin Shilp Sharma

356 Pages
2018
A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain

A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain

Sara Manning Peskin

218 Pages
2022
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

Haruki Murakami

827 Pages
2011
They Called Us Exceptional

They Called Us Exceptional

And Other Lies That Raised Us

Prachi Gupta

289 Pages
2024
Cristiano and Leo

Cristiano and Leo

The Race to Become the Greatest Football Player of All Time

Jimmy Burns

0 Pages
2018
A Scandal in Bohemia

A Scandal in Bohemia

Seven Sherlock Holmes Stories

Arthur Conan Doyle

88 Pages
1981
With Love, Echo Park

With Love, Echo Park

Laura Taylor Namey

260 Pages
2024
The Pirate Prince

The Pirate Prince

Gaelen Foley

416 Pages
2006
Resurrection Men

Resurrection Men

Ian Rankin

484 Pages
2005
Happy Place

Happy Place

Emily Henry

401 Pages
2023
The Plot Against America

The Plot Against America

Philip Roth

52 Pages
2010
The Sugar Barons

The Sugar Barons

Matthew Parker

484 Pages
2011
The Great Transition

The Great Transition

A Novel

Nick Fuller Googins

352 Pages
2023

Let's find the best book for you!

Get book summaries directly into your inbox!

Join more than 10,000 readers in our newsletter

Snackz book
Snackz logo

The right book at the right time will change your life.

Get the books directly into your inbox!

โœ… New Release

โœ… Book Recommendation

โœ… Book Summaries

Copyright 2023-2025. All rights reserved.