A word of many meanings and a topic that has long occupied the minds of philosophers, the concept of good is central to ethics, morality, philosophy, and religion. Whether used to refer to an outcome (a utilitarian “good”) or to a motivation (a moralistic ‘good’), the notion of what is a good thing has always been a subject of intense debate.

In everyday use, good is a general-purpose adjective that describes something as useful or desirable. It is the standard form after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, seem, and be: It feels good to be home; You’re looking very good today. It is also often used after adverbs, but it can be replaced by the adverb well in formal speech and edited writing: He did a good job on the test; She worked really hard.

When used to describe a person, it usually means they are kind, considerate, fair, honest, or generous. It can also be a term of praise: He’s such a good guy. A good friend is someone who will listen to your problems and help you through them.

Depending on the context, good can also mean that something is suitable or appropriate: The dress is too short to wear in public; I’m not a good singer. It can also be a measure of something: The car is a good value for the money. It was a good idea to invest in real estate.

It can also be a euphemism: a “good boy” or “good girl”; an “alpha male” or “alpha female”. It is sometimes used to distinguish between the various grades of school children: My daughter is such a good student.

The premise of this article is that good is more than just a measurable attribute or a subjective judgment of merit: it’s a way of being, an approach to living, and a model for behavior. It’s important to note that sorting people into the binary categories of good and bad is rarely possible or helpful, especially when it comes to addressing complicated topics like morality.

A truly good person knows that others need praise and will compliment them when it’s deserved. They will also offer constructive criticism when it’s needed. They make sure to call their parents regularly and show respect and gratitude for them. They keep their bad side on a leash and do not let it get in the way of being a good person. Good people are always trying to better themselves and will encourage others to do the same. They have a good sense of humor and are willing to laugh at themselves. They are trustworthy and loyal, and will treat their friends with respect. They believe in standing up for what you believe in. They have a deep faith in God and believe that all things will work out for the best in the end. They are humble and have a strong work ethic. They love their families, and they will do whatever it takes to protect them.

A bicycle is a two-wheeled steerable machine powered by the feet of the rider, turning pedals connected to cranks that rotate a chain and drive the rear wheel. It is the only human-powered machine that can maintain a constant speed over time without requiring the effort of walking or running. Bikes are a popular mode of transportation for commuting, fitness, and recreation, and have helped transform towns, cities, and countries around the world into healthier, more vibrant places.

The word “bicycle” was coined in the mid-1800s, although earlier terms for two-wheeled vehicles include velocipede de pedal (speedy foot-powered vehicle), dandy horse, hobby horse, and pugilistica (pugilist). Today’s bike designs and materials continue to evolve from those early days of wrought iron frames, steel wheels, and wooden handlebars. Today’s bikes are lighter, faster, more durable, and easier to maneuver than ever before.

Road bicycles are designed for fast, long distance rides on paved roads. Their lightweight frames are typically made from carbon fiber or aluminum alloy to keep them light and fast, and they have gears that allow you to ride hills easily. They also have a narrower saddle than a racing bicycle (you ride more quickly when you’re leaning forward).

Some people use road bikes to compete in races called criteriums, stage races, and one-day classics (like the Tour de France). These are short, fast-paced races on closed-loop courses that test your endurance and technical skill.

Many of today’s hybrid and comfort bicycles feature suspension forks that compress to limit the jarring impact of bumps, cracks, and other obstacles that you may encounter on cycle paths and bridleways. They also have wider, softer tires that are more capable of handling rough surfaces and insulate you from the jolts of uneven ground.

If you plan on using your bike to commute or do other longer rides, look for a model with the mounting points needed for pannier racks. These can be used to carry extra clothing, water, and food for longer trips. Some models even come with pannier racks already installed.

When shopping for a new bicycle, the first step is to determine your ideal frame size. Stand over the top tube of the bicycle and see whether you can place your hands flat on the ground with a slight bend in your knees. Then, measure your trunk length (also known as sitting height) to find out your torso length and reach.

Kids’ bicycles have shorter and lighter overall frames, smaller parts, and quality components that are sized appropriately to fit children’s bodies. Look for names like Shimano and SRAM that are synonymous with quality. In addition, make sure the bike weighs relatively little—remember that proportionally a 60- to 70-pound bike feels much heavier to a kid than it does to an adult. And lastly, look for components that are easily accessible and operate with minimal hand force. In general, it’s a good idea to shop with a knowledgeable professional who can help you select the best bicycle for your riding needs.