Good intentions alone may not be enough, but they are a better starting point than the alternative.
When we talk about someone’s good intentions, it is usually a way of easing the pain of disappointment, saying that, in spite of some negative outcome, at least the person in question means well.
Wanting to do good is not how good works are accomplished.
Desire and intention are never as powerful as action.
As such, good intentions are often dismissed as being ineffectual sentiments used to excuse poor behavior and failed, or lack of, action.
Of course, positive action toward some worthwhile goal is more desirable than simply wanting to do good.
Still, wanting to do good and falling short of our ideal is far better than never having wanted to do good at all.
Holistic Budo: As it is in budo, so too it is in life. As it is in life, so too it is in budo.
Robert Van Valkenburgh is co-founder of Taikyoku Mind & Body and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Photo by Robert Van Valkenburgh. Artwork by Ana.
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