What is the Common Good?

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40

The common good is a classic theme of moral and political philosophy that has deep roots in Catholic Social Teaching. It is about building a society where concern for one another is reflected in the corporations, communities, entertainment and government we produce. Catholic social teaching calls for bold and generous action on behalf of the common good. A culture of the common good supports the health, welfare and advancement of all people, regardless of race, gender, religion or economic class. This core principle of Catholic Social Teaching affirms that society functions best when decisions are made for the benefit of everyone, and not just a few.

“Our human interdependence,” Pope John Paul II wrote, “is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”