The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions, said Acharya Chanakya. We are all familiar with the phrase that ‘Even after the darkest night will end and the sun will rise’. The same equation holds true for human nature—evil cannot exist once goodness awakens.

In simple words, evil is nothing but the absence of goodness. In the same way as darkness is the absence of light or spiritual ignorance is the absence of spiritual wisdom. Evil is wicked, cruel and arrogant. It cannot exist except in the name of goodness.

On the other hand, goodness is divine. It is, by its very nature, virtuous, not violent. It does not engage in confrontation or war. It is evil that indulges in violence and war. So, goodness does not destroy evil. Evil destroys itself. It self-destructs when it reaches the extreme.

Goodness creates; evil destroys. Goodness does not destroy, and evil cannot create. The path of goodness, truth and non-violence leads to peace, love and happiness, whereas the path of evil results in conflict, hatred and sorrow.

It’s sad that the world today is more conducive to those who are manipulative and chase rewards than those toiling hard with faith in the return of good actions. What is the point, then, of being good? Just like everything becomes dark at night and a lone flower in a thick jungle remains unseen, a little goodness in the world seems to be of no use.

But goodness is never wasted. Even unseen acts of kindness plant invisible seeds. These may not sprout immediately, but they shape the silent fabric of humanity.

The world needs more such silent warriors of goodness. So, be good, not because the world rewards it, but because the soul rejoices in it. In the end, it is not about recognition but about remaining rooted in what is right.

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(Writer is a spiritual educator & popular columnist for publications across India, Nepal & the UK. To Date 8500+ Published Columns have been written by him.)