A Good Citizen cover art

A Good Citizen

A Good Citizen

By: Stephen king
Listen for free

About this listen

 A good citizen is someone who actively works to improve their country.
While there are many interpretations of what it means to be a good citizen, the idea has been explored by various thinkers throughout history. Aristotle distinguished between a good citizen and a good person. He argued that a good citizen is defined by their role in both governing and being governed, while a good person is judged by a singular, absolute standard of virtue. This distinction highlights that one can fulfill the duties of a good citizen without necessarily meeting the moral ideals of a good person—likely due to the different Greek words for "good" used in his writings. Theodore Roosevelt emphasized self-reliance and responsibility, stating: "The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight... not a mere passenger, but [someone who] does his share in the work... and, furthermore, that in doing his work he shall show... sturdy self-help [and] self-respecting regard for the rights of others." Modern views, especially among high school seniors, often define good citizenship in political terms—such as standing up for one’s beliefs.
Joel Westheimer, an educational theorist, categorizes good citizens into two types:
  1. Personally responsible citizens – those who act responsibly in daily life, such as by donating blood or obeying laws.
  2. Participatory citizens – those actively involved in community organizations and improvement efforts.
Stephen king Personal Development Personal Success True Crime
Episodes
  • Key Facts About Discipline

    Key Facts About Discipline
    Sep 20 2025
    What Is Discipline?
    Discipline is the practice of training people (or oneself) to follow rules or a code of behavior, often using self-control or enforced consequences.

    ---
    🔹 Types of Discipline
    1. Self-Discipline
    Ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and desires in the face of external demands.
    Example: Waking up early to exercise even when tired.

    2. External Discipline
    Imposed by parents, teachers, or authority figures to guide behavior.
    Example: School rules or workplace policies.

    3. Positive Discipline
    Focuses on teaching and guiding rather than punishing.
    Encourages respect, empathy, and accountability.

    4. Negative Discipline
    Relies on punishment and fear to enforce rules.
    Often leads to short-term compliance but may harm trust or motivation.


    ---
    🔹 Benefits of Discipline
    Increases focus and productivity.
    Builds character and resilience.
    Helps achieve long-term goals.
    Promotes respect and order in social settings.
    Reduces stress through routine and organization.

    ---
    🔹 Interesting Psychological Facts
    Delayed Gratification: People who can delay rewards (like in the famous "marshmallow test") tend to succeed more in life.
    Neuroplasticity: Discipline can rewire the brain over time—habits of self-control strengthen willpower circuits.
    Discipline vs. Motivation: Motivation gets you started; discipline keeps you going when motivation fades.

    ---
    🔹 Discipline in Children
    Consistent and fair discipline teaches responsibility.
    Harsh punishment can lead to fear or rebellion.
    Positive reinforcement (rewarding good behavior) is more effective than just punishing bad behavior.
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.