A good person can make another person good; it means that

Hear the gentle yet profound wisdom of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who declared: “A good person can make another person good; it means that goodness will elicit goodness in the society; other persons will also be good.” In this teaching lies the eternal principle that virtue is not only a private possession but a contagious flame. One spark of kindness lights another, and soon an entire community may glow with warmth. Just as corruption spreads like poison, so too does goodness spread like healing, multiplying itself as it touches the hearts of others.

The ancients knew this truth. Confucius taught that the character of the ruler shapes the character of the people: if the leader is just, the nation will follow justice; if he is corrupt, corruption will flow downward into every corner of society. The Greeks, too, understood that virtue is cultivated not in isolation but through friendship and example. Aristotle wrote that one good man encourages another toward the good, as iron sharpens iron. Thus, King Bhumibol’s words echo this ancient wisdom—that goodness, like music, calls forth harmony when it is played.

Consider the story of Mahatma Gandhi. His personal discipline of nonviolence and truth inspired millions to adopt the same path. He was but one man, frail in body yet mighty in spirit, and his goodness awakened the goodness of a nation. Men and women who might have chosen violence instead laid down arms and walked the harder path of peace. His example proves Bhumibol’s teaching: one good person does not remain alone but creates a wave of goodness that transforms society.

History shows us the opposite as well, and it confirms the truth of the king’s words. In times when cruelty has been exalted—when rulers have embraced tyranny and selfishness—the people have often followed, imitating evil as if it were strength. But when a man or woman stands firm in virtue, refusing to bow to corruption, others find courage to follow. Goodness, though it may begin as a small seed, grows into a tree beneath whose branches many may rest.

The meaning of the king’s wisdom is this: society is not healed by laws alone, nor by wealth, nor by power, but by the multiplication of goodness through human example. If you are good, you give permission for others to be good. If you are kind, you remind others that kindness is still possible. If you are honest, you challenge others to raise their own standards. In this way, the very presence of one virtuous person can elevate an entire community.

The lesson for us, O listener, is simple yet profound: strive to be that one good person. Do not wait for others to change before you do. Begin with your own life—practice kindness in your home, integrity in your work, compassion in your dealings with strangers. Believe that your actions, however small, ripple outward. You may never know how many hearts you influence, but every act of goodness sets in motion a chain that may stretch beyond your sight.

Therefore, let King Bhumibol’s words be carved in memory: “Goodness will elicit goodness in the society.” Be not discouraged when the world seems dark, for one candle can break the deepest night. Be that candle. Live in such a way that others are drawn toward the light you carry, until together you illuminate the path for generations to come.

And so, let this truth endure: goodness is never wasted, for it multiplies itself in others. The greatest gift you can give to society is not wealth nor power, but the example of a life lived in virtue. For in the end, it is not only you who are transformed, but the whole world that is lifted by your light.