I’d like to introduce a thought-provoking exercise that I’ve been engaging in with friends for quite some time. It’s less of a game and more of a way to delve deeper into the question, “Are you a good person?” The concept is simple: Imagine treating a person like an apple, with three layers of depth—

The idea is to categorize a person as either “good” or “bad” across these layers to create an “apple profile,” providing a quick assessment of their character from the outside in. Let’s explore the three layers in more detail:

Layer 1) The Apple Skin

Definition: Initial impression upon meeting

Who Observes Your Skin: Anyone you interact with, from a cashier during a transaction (the outer layer) to a colleague you may not know well (deeper but still considered the surface).

Questions to Assess Your Skin:

– Do people generally find you likable and approachable at first encounter?
– Are you perceived as friendly by those who barely know you?
– Would others describe you as pleasant and kind in public?
– Do you exhibit courtesy towards service industry workers like waiters and cashiers?
– Do people feel comfortable around you initially?

If most answers are YES, your skin is Good. Otherwise, it’s Bad.

Layer 2) The Apple Flesh

Definition: Behavior once others get to know you

Who Knows Your Flesh: Close friends, family, partners, and acquaintances who have a deeper understanding of you.

Questions to Evaluate Your Flesh:

– Do you speak differently about people behind their backs compared to face-to-face?
– Do you remain silent when someone speaks ill of a loved one in their absence?
– Are you occasionally petty or judgmental according to those who know you well?
– Do you lack empathy during others’ misfortunes?
– Do you have a tendency to dominate conversations about yourself in social settings?
– Are you trustworthy with secrets and honest in your accounts of personal experiences?
– Do you struggle with returning borrowed items or repaying debts promptly?

If most answers are NO, your flesh is Good. Otherwise, it’s Bad.

Layer 3) The Apple Core

Definition: Your innermost character

Who Understands Your Core: For some, it’s close friends, family, or a partner, while for others, only self-awareness reveals the true core.

Questions to Determine Your Core:

– If presented with a scenario where a press of a button grants personal dreams but leads to harm to others, would you proceed?
– Do you ever derive pleasure from causing harm?
– Do you show unkindness to vulnerable individuals?
– Do you lack genuine empathy for loved ones in distress?
– Do you tend to undermine the self-esteem of those around you?
– Would those closest to you agree that you prioritize your well-being above all else?
– Do you have a selfish streak, disregarding others’ feelings?

If most answers are NO, your core is Good. Otherwise, it’s Bad.

Understanding your acquaintances’ perception of you across these layers:

The diverse depth of relationships determines the varying levels of insight people have into your character. For instance, one’s “pretty good friends” might grasp their essence better than someone else’s closest companions due to differences in openness and willingness to connect.

The exercise results in eight potential apple profiles, characterized by combinations of “good” and “bad” labels for each layer. For example, someone identified as having a good skin, bad flesh, and good core would be deemed as GOOD-BAD-GOOD.

Let’s delve into each of these profiles:

1) GOOD-GOOD-GOOD

Their Persona: Exemplifying goodness in every aspect, they may find discomfort in the presence of anyone other than BAD-GOOD-GOODs, underestimating the darker side of humanity.

Strengths: Vital for maintaining moral order, they are profoundly reliable and trustworthy.

Weaknesses: Their tendency to disapprove and drain excitement from situations.

2) BAD-GOOD-GOOD

Their Persona: Initially off-putting but gradually reveal themselves as remarkable individuals. They form alliances with GOOD-GOOD-GOODs to balance out their persona.

Strengths: Steadfast, detesting falsehood and pettiness. They command respect and excel in leadership roles.

Weaknesses: Occasionally reveling in their standoffish yet admirable facade.

3) GOOD-BAD-GOOD

Their Persona: Often underestimated by friends as they humorously acknowledge their niceness. Typically attract fellow GOOD-BAD-GOODs, despite personal doubts.

Strengths: Generally enjoyable and socially adept.

Weaknesses: Can display insincerity and pettiness, although not severely.

4) BAD-BAD-GOOD

Their Persona: Potentially intimidating and divisive, their close circle fiercely defends their true qualities. They navigate friendships with both supportive and less desirable characters.

Strengths: Despite their rough exterior, they possess a kind-hearted nature.

Weaknesses: Tend to display abrasive traits consistently.

5) GOOD-GOOD-BAD

Their Persona: Carry a deceptive charm that often leads to heartbreak and cyclical fallouts. They hold influence over GOOD-GOOD-GOODs but tend to create rifts.

Strengths: Despite a flawed core, they contribute positively to society and show potential for political success.

Weaknesses: Their manipulative tendencies and harm inflicted on those closest to them.

6) BAD-GOOD-BAD

Their Persona: An uncommon profile, where individuals mask their unfavorable traits projecting an image of goodness. Their self-perception may not align with reality, causing broken relationships.

Strengths: Suited for competitive environments, leveraging intimidation, trustworthiness, and self-serving behaviors.

Weaknesses: Ultimately, their deceptive nature and negative impact on others stand out.

7) GOOD-BAD-BAD

Their Persona: Initially captivating but harboring significant flaws, they often clash with GOOD-BAD-GOOD friends after an impressive start.

Strengths: Shine in dramatic environments like reality TV, exuding charm and intrigue.

Weaknesses: Their lack of authenticity places them among the most disingenuous individuals.

8) BAD-BAD-BAD

Their Persona: Representing a straightforward negative demeanor, their friends may attempt to spin a positive narrative, albeit unsuccessfully. They see through pretenses projected by others, detesting both holier-than-thou attitudes.

Strengths: No pretense, making them suitable for comedy or certain niche roles.

Weaknesses: Their innate unpleasantness and lack of redeeming qualities are self-evident.

Reflecting on these profiles may shed light on your own persona as well as those within your circle. Which category resonates with you and those around you?