What is a Good Deed? - Story Review of The Good Samaritan

The concept of a "good deed" is often relegated to simple altruism, a fleeting act of kindness without deeper consideration. However, René Saldaña Jr.'s "The Good Samaritan" helps us to examine the very core of what makes a good deed genuine. It's not merely an act of service, but a complex interplay of selflessness and empathy, breaking down barriers particularly when extended towards those who seem least deserving. "The Good Samaritan" mainly explores the relationship between Rey and Mr. Sánchez, a neighbor known for manipulating Rey and his friends, denying them their deserved rewards. When Rey finds Mr. Sánchez stranded with a flat tire, his first instinct is to drive on, remembering past disappointments. Yet, recalling the tired look on his face, Rey imagined that as his own father and has a change of heart, returning to help Mr. Sánchez and refusing his offer of food and swimming, because he did it for his father, not for any reward from Mr. Sánchez. Ultimately, Rey's choice challenges us to reconsider our own definitions of a "good deed," urging us to look beyond simple acts of kindness, pushing us to look beyond the surface and offer help to others, even if they haven't always treated us right.

At its heart, a good deed is characterized by selflessness: an action driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of others, wholly divorced from any expectation of personal gain or recognition. This principle means setting aside one's ego, desires, or convenience to benefit someone else. Rey's initial reluctance to help Mr. Sánchez stems from a history of manipulation and broken promises, where labor performed for a promised reward consistently resulted in disappointment. This creates a significant barrier to any act of kindness, as the motivation behind an action determines whether it qualifies as a truly selfless good deed. However, Rey's decision to return and help Mr. Sánchez arises not from a desire for reward or recognition, but from an internal shift in perspective. This act is driven by genuine altruism, a desire to improve the well-being of others without expecting anything in return, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

Moreover, a genuine good deed necessitates a profound sense of empathy. It requires transcending personal experiences to connect with the suffering or need of another. Rey's transformation occurs when he imagines his father in Mr. Sánchez's place. This connection allows him to see beyond Mr. Sánchez's past actions and acknowledge his present vulnerability. Without this empathetic bridge, the act of assistance would remain meaningless, lacking true moral significance. It is empathy that enables individuals to recognize the needs and vulnerabilities of others, thus guiding actions in ways that promote compassion and justice. Without it, a good deed is meaningless.

Rey's choice exemplifies breaking down walls through a good deed. Rey had every right to be angry with Mr. Sánchez, who had repeatedly tricked him and his friends with empty promises. Because of this, Rey probably saw Mr. Sánchez badly, as someone selfish and not to be trusted. Helping Mr. Sánchez meant Rey had to push aside those bad feelings and see him as a person who needed help, no matter what had happened before. Instead of keeping the cycle of negativity going, Rey chose to be kind and compassionate, even though they didn't have a good relationship. He put himself in another perspective, and thought about what he would do if someone left his father there. So, Rey's act wasn't just about being nice; it was about thinking in others perspectives and understanding them

Ultimately, "The Good Samaritan" challenges our judgment of who deserves our help. It's easy to be kind to those who treat us well, but it takes real strength to extend a hand to someone who has wronged us. Rey's decision to help Mr. Sánchez forces us to question our own prejudices, urging us to consider the humanity in everyone, even those we dislike. A good deed, therefore, becomes an act of defiance against our own negativity, a conscious choice to see the good in others and to act in accordance with our highest values. Whether Mr. Sánchez learns from it or not, Rey's act reminds us that it's not just about helping others; it's about growing into the kind of person we aspire to be. It reminds us that even in a world filled with conflict and disappointment, we always have the power to choose compassion.