To determine what is good and bad one needs sound value judgment. In early life, parents and teachers provide us with a basic manual of right and wrong based on societal norms, which we follow without much independent thought.

As we mature and gain experiences, we begin to understand society better and develop our own conscience. We start forming personal opinions and distinguishing good from bad based on our own perspective rather than blindly following the inherited manual. This marks the beginning of learning and unlearning.

Generally speaking, actions that don’t adversely affect you or society can be considered good, while those do are bad. However, this is a shallow view. For instance, if your dream conflicts with societal norms or parental expectations, it doesn’t mean your dream is bad just because it’s unconventional or they disapprove.

The key to discerning good from bad lies in developing your own conscience, moral values, and value judgment. Without this, others can easily influence your perceptions. For example, I might find wearing Western clothes to a temple disrespectful, while someone else might see no issue with it. That will not change my opinion but the difference in my perspective is acceptable as long as it doesn’t lead to unnecessary interference.

In essence, nobody can decide what is good or bad for you. Your experiences and values will guide you. It takes effort, education, and moral integrity to develop good judgment. Live a healthy, happy life and do what’s best for you without undue concern for societal opinions.