Being Right or Being Good – A Human Dilemma

Since childhood, we are taught to speak the truth and do what is right. Our judiciary upholds “सत्यमेव जयते” (Truth only Triumphs). We are also taught to be kind and avoid hurting others. These values shape our upbringing, behaviour, and character. Yet, life often places us at a crossroads where we must choose between being right and being good. This choice can be deeply unsettling. Many times, we know our point is valid, but insisting on it may strain relationships or disturb peace. This dilemma emerges across personal, professional, and social spheres.

Understanding the Two Ideas

Though subjective in interpretation, the two concepts may be broadly understood as follows:

Being Right

Being right means adhering to facts, logic, and fairness. It reflects a commitment to clarity, discipline, and truth. Individuals who prioritise being right believe that when everyone follows what is correct, confusion reduces, and stability increases. Society certainly needs such people— those who uphold integrity without compromise. However, being right is not always the same as being wise.

Being Good

Being good means ensuring that the other person does not get hurt, even if it requires personal sacrifice. It involves empathy, patience, and emotional balance. People who prioritise goodness value peace and relationships more than proving a point. Choosing goodness often requires letting go of personal comfort.

In reality, life is not black and white. Situations are coloured by emotions, expectations, and power dynamics. Thus, two inner voices often arise:

One says, “Stand up for the truth. Do not compromise.”

The other says, “Let it go. The relationship matters more.”

Mythology illustrates this contrast well. Lord Ram is often viewed as the embodiment of goodness, focusing on ideals and compassion. Lord Krishna, on the other hand, is seen as choosing what is right in a more strategic and pragmatic manner. Both paths have value, and both reflect different facets of wisdom.

These behaviours are also associated with labels—practical vs. emotional, mindful vs. reactive, introverted vs. extroverted. But the underlying dilemma remains universal.

Advantages and Disadvantages

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Being Right	Protects fairness when someone is being wronged. Builds trust when the truth matters. Encourages discipline and responsibility. Helps avoid long-term harm caused by silence.	Strains relationships Stress and arguments People feeling scared to talk to you A belief that your truth is the only truth Feeling lonely
Being Good	Strengthens relationships. Reduces stress and emotional conflict. Creates a safe environment for communication. Shows emotional maturity and self-control.	People take you for granted Feeling unheard Suppressing your emotions Letting go of things that matter Losing yourself

Many choose to be right because they fear being misunderstood. Others correct every error out of habit, unaware that over-correction slowly erodes emotional connections. In the age of social media, instant reactions and public defence encourage a culture of constant correctness, influencing offline interactions too.

Conversely, those who always choose goodness fear being exploited. Suppressed emotions over time lead to fatigue, confusion, and loss of confidence. Hence, being good must include expressing feelings honestly.

Ego, Empathy and the Inner Conflict

This dilemma often overlaps with ego and empathy. The urge to prove oneself right can shift from truth to victory. When ego enters, the desire to win overtakes the desire to understand. Such victories are hollow and often cost relationships.

Empathy, however, softens this conflict. Many mistake empathy for weakness, but kindness without boundaries is what becomes weakness. One can be good while still saying “no,” standing firm, and maintaining dignity.

Finding the Right Balance

Choose to be right when:

justice must be upheld
harm must be prevented
self-respect is at risk
truth is essential

Choose to be good when:

the issue is minor
the relationship matters more than the argument
the other person is already distressed
peace achieves more than pressure

Silence is also a powerful choice. It is not weakness or acceptance—it is a pause that offers space to think, calm down, and respond mindfully.

Healthy relationships blend truth and kindness. When both combine, we express truth gently, correct respectfully, communicate feelings calmly, and value people more than arguments. This creates long-lasting trust.

Wisdom grows with experience, but it can be accelerated by self-reflection, observing good communicators, reading, and practising patience. Over time, one learns when to let go and when to stand firm.

Conclusion

There is no fixed rule determining whether being right or being good is superior. Being right strengthens integrity; being good strengthens humanity. When chosen wisely, the two together create a balanced, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent individual who can uphold truth without losing compassion.

TEAM CVOCA