What makes a person "good"?

I have had some of the most stimulating, engaging, intellectual conversations of my life with my friend Jeff. He makes me want to think critically about everything and values my opinions even if we do not agree.

Today I told him he was a good person. He said that most people try to be good. I do not agree. Yes, people often times do things which they think will be perceived as being "good," but are they really "good" or are they just going through the motions? Goodness is innate I believe. There is no monitor or scale that measures goodness. You either behave the same way all the time, putting others before yourself, knowing that what you do is for a greater good or you don't. Helping someone out and then expecting something in return is not altruistic; it borders more on egocentric.

I feel most people fall into this category. Why does there have to be validation for what you do, every time you do it. I am not saying that we, humans, should not be appreciated. I like to know that what I do is acknowledged, but if it is not, then I will still do it and not complain. There should not have to be a quid pro quo. I am drawn to people who are good in the real sense. They do not expect anything in return. They persevere. They love, care and forgive without hesitation. These people are my heroes.