On Goodness of the Unobserved
On Goodness of the Unobserved True goodness can only be seen when one is observed without believing that they are being so and still acts according to what is `good`. The iniquities performed by one when he/she believes that they cannot be seen or judged prove that most human beings cannot live good moral lives without inhibitions. It is the fear of judgment from God and society that seemingly keeps humans in line. If one could partake in all the pleasures that sin has to offer without ever paying the price one cannot unfortunately guarantee that one would not. This idea is clearly portrayed by Oscar Wildes extraordinarily narcissistic character Dorian Gray in Wildes novel The Picture Of Dorian Gray. Dorian Gray is a youthful, respectable, and charming young man who happens to encounter a troubled artist and a dreadful philosopher that ultimately lead Dorian to the test of a life without inhibitions. Basil, the artist, finds Dorian to be the most fascinating and wonderful person he has ever encountered. Basil requires him, `Every day. I couldn’t be happy if I didn’t see him every day. He is absolutely necessary to me.`, this infatuation leads Basil to improve his paintings with new inspirations spurred from the goodness and beauty he sees in Dorian. Lord Henry, the philosopher, sees something entirely different in Dorian. He sees a pure youth simply awaiting the poison and experience of life, or at least how Lord Henry saw life. As Basil had unintentionally made Dorian vain of his own appearance, Lord Henry makes Dorian vain of his youth `Some day, when you are old and wrinkled and ugly, when thoughts has seared your forehead with its lines, and passion branded your lips with its hideous fires, you will feel it, you will feel it terribly.` Henry desires to turn this respectable youth into a hedonistic creature without restraint or morals.