The Highest Good (Το υψηλότερο αγαθό)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

Within our character, there exists a certain duality between good and evil both of which manifest in our thoughts, words and actions. These forces shape the way we engage with the world, steering us towards either harmony or discord, virtue or vice. As mortal beings, we are not passive recipients of these inclinations; rather, we actively embody and reflect them through our moral virtues or our moral failings. In this way, our character is the sum of our choices, the ongoing product of our will and discernment.

In the philosophy of Meleticism, the highest good is not an abstract, divine quality to be imitated in deference to a god. It is not a celestial idea beyond our reach, nor a virtue granted to us by an omnipotent being. Rather, the highest good is the embodiment of our own capacity for virtue, guided by the wisdom of the self and the depth of the soul. It is something that exists within us inherently, not something that we must seek in the external world. It is not imposed upon us by dogma or doctrine, but is instead realised through our own introspection, self-awareness and conscious action.

To understand the essence of the highest good, one must first look inwards, into the depths of the soul where our truest nature resides. It is here, within the silent sanctuary of the self, that the foundation of all moral judgement is formed. The wisdom of philosophy teaches us that to live well is to cultivate a strong ethical structure that is built upon reason, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the truth. This highest good is not something that is bestowed upon us passively, because it is something that we must actively strive towards.

Through philosophy, we learn not only to accept ourselves as we are, but to refine ourselves also to shape our character into something more virtuous, more refined, and more attuned to the harmony of existence. The pursuit of the highest good is not an endeavour of self-righteousness but one of sincere striving. It requires a steadfast determination to live rightly, to embody wisdom and to act in accordance with the principles of virtue. In this pursuit, we are not merely following an ethical code; instead, we are aligning ourselves with the deeper truth of our being.

Each individual stands at a crossroads in life, confronted with the choice of pursuing goodness or straying into moral corruption. No one is immune to this decision, and no one is beyond redemption should they err. The path of virtue is always open to those people who seek it with sincerity.

Evil, however, blinds us to the truth. It distorts our perception, leading us away from wisdom and into ignorance. It tempts us with the illusions of power, indulgence and self-interest. When we allow ourselves to be consumed by vice, we become estranged from our true nature. The distinction between good and evil is not a matter of arbitrary judgement. Goodness is an invariable state of purity, whilst evil is an invariable state of corruption. The two are not interchangeable. That which is good cannot become evil, just as that which is evil cannot transform into good without a fundamental shift in character.

This is not to say that individuals are forever bound to one state or the other. A person may choose to abandon evil and strive towards goodness, just as one who has lived virtuously may fall into corruption. However, the essence of good itself remains untainted, for it is not the good that changes, but the person who either upholds or betrays it.

A common mistake amongst those who seek the highest good is to fall into the trap of self-righteousness. To believe oneself to be morally superior to others is not true virtue; it is a vanity disguised as false wisdom. Goodness is not measured by proclamations or external displays of piety, but by the quiet integrity of one's character.

We must not deceive ourselves into thinking that we are more righteous than others simply because we study philosophy or contemplate morality. Knowledge of ethical principles does not automatically render one virtuous. Rather, virtue is something that must be lived, practised and cultivated over time. It is not about claiming moral superiority, but about striving for self-betterment.

Philosophy provides us with the wisdom to discern right from wrong, yet this discernment is not dictated by the command of a god. It is an innate faculty of the human mind, one that is refined through thought, experience and reflection. The good that we bear within ourselves is a harmony of the mind, body and soul, which is an essence that is given to us by (To Ένa) the One.

We must not become enemies to ourselves by fearing evil to the extent that we give it power over us. Evil in and of itself, has no independent existence. It is not a certain force that thrives in isolation; rather, it sustains itself through our actions, our choices and our willingness to succumb to it. Evil persists because we allow it to persist within us.

Goodness, however, exists as a fundamental principle of the universe. It is not something that can be corrupted, for it is beyond corruption. Whilst individuals may fall into moral decay, the essence of goodness itself remains untouched, immutable in its purity. It is present not only in humanity but in the natural world, in the beauty of existence, in the order and tranquility of life itself.

We are not merely passive witnesses to this good; we are its actual keepers. It is our responsibility to uphold it, to embody it, and to cultivate it in our actions. Though we as individuals may be imperfect, goodness itself is not defined by our failings. Rather, it is something greater than us, something to which we aspire despite our flaws.

If we are to truly understand the highest good, we must first realise its purpose. The highest good is not an unattainable ideal; it is a lived reality, a principle that shapes our character and purifies our soul. To aspire to goodness is not to seek perfection, for perfection is an illusion beyond human reach. Instead, it is to embrace our potentiality for virtue and to cultivate it through conscious effort.

We do not need to worship a divine entity to comprehend or embody the highest good. To assume that goodness can only be known through reverence for a god is to diminish our own humanity. It is to surrender our capacity for moral judgement, to forsake our autonomy in favour of external authority. True wisdom does not come from blind faith, but from self-awareness and the pursuit of understanding.

If we were created in the image of a perfect god, then we too would be perfect. Yet, we are not. Our existence is one of growth, learning and moral evolution. The highest good does not require divinity; it requires sincerity, wisdom and a dedication to virtue.

Each man carries within him the potentiality for the highest good. It is not a blessing bestowed upon a select few people, but an inherent quality that all may cultivate with knowledge. A man does not become good by chance; he becomes good through deliberate choice, through the constant refinement of his character.

To seek the highest good is to seek the enlightenment of the soul. It is to walk the path of wisdom, to recognise the truth within oneself, and to live in accordance with virtue. It is not an external pursuit, for it is an inwards journey that leads not to divine favour, but to the fulfilment of the self.

The highest good is not a gift, nor is it a burden. It is a unique calling, one that each man must answer for himself in the end, and one that will define his ultimate path.

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