Summum Bonum-The Highest Good

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Sara Etgen-Baker.

Summum bonum—a Latin expression meaning the highest or ultimate good, which was introduced by the Roman philosopher Cicero to denote the fundamental principle on which some system of ethics is based — that is, the aim of actions, which, if consistently pursued, will lead to the best possible life. Since Cicero, the expression has acquired a secondary meaning—the essence or ultimate metaphysical principle of Goodness itself, or what Plato called the Form of the Good. (Information courtesy of Wikipedia.com)

highest good is like water nourishing life effortlessly flowing without prejudice to the lowliest places. highest good springs from all who nourish community with a benevolent heart, deep as an abyss. highest good comes from those who are rooted in the earth, incapable of lies and injustices

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Clive Culverhouse

Date: 10/15/2023 11:45:00 PM

flowing without prejudice to the lowliest places, excellent line.. impressive poem

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 10/16/2023 5:25:00 AM

thanks, Clive, for stopping by and for noticing the line you mentioned. I appreciate you and your support...have a wonderful day, Sara

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/15/2023 6:51:00 PM

Head in the heavens, feet firmly on earth; Prophets and Poets, proving their worth... Lovely thoughts, Sara!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 10/16/2023 5:26:00 AM

I do so enjoy your comment here...heads in the heavens... Wise words, dear Gershon! Thanks for stopping by, Sara and enjoy your Monday :-)

Sotto Poet

Date: 10/15/2023 11:35:00 AM

Dear Sara, I am absolutely enthralled by the exquisite message you have shared here. The notion of teaching with utmost consciousness and awareness has struck a deep chord within me, for it is that the true essence of wisdom is imparted. Oh, how I yearn for a world where every soul embraces and embodies virtuous ethics! It is my fervent hope that this aspiration transcends all boundaries and permeates the very fabric of our existence.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 10/15/2023 1:07:00 PM

dearest Sotto--your comments amaze me and give me such confidence! I, too, yearn for the world you describe -- a world where folks dwell on a more mindful plane of existence. I'm grateful my words struck a chord with you. Your comments are beautiful and meaningful. I'm grateful for your presence here on Poetry Soup. all my best, Sara

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 10/15/2023 7:51:00 AM

Like water is good poetry too my dear, I love your cadence and your talented write, Sara :)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 10/15/2023 1:02:00 PM

thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. I appreciate the your continued support with kind, thoughtful comments. have a great Sunday, Sara

Silent One

Date: 10/15/2023 6:48:00 AM

A beautiful message my friend and teaching with awareness is always important, especially when it is a profound message like this.. I wish everyone would adopt good ethics... Lets hope that everyone nourishes their communities, especially on here...

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 10/15/2023 7:35:00 AM

thanks, Silent One, for stopping by. I appreciate you seeing the profound message within my poem. I, too, share your sentiments that everyone 'nourishes' in whatever community in which they choose to participate. Kindness, encouragement, and compassion seem like such simple operative words. Have a great day. Sara