This study documents various historical instances in the development of the concept «Common Good». The author reflects about Plato's theory of Forms, which is infused with the idea of good, as the first principle of being. Plato was not the first philosopher to address the theme of the Common Good although he was the first to construct a political theory around it. This theme has remained a central agenda for philosophers throughout the ages

Harald Haarmann is a German linguist and cultural scientist. He is Vice-President of the "Institute of Archaeomythology" in Sebastopol (California/USA) and director of its "European Branch" in Finland. His research fields are linguistics, cultural studies, and history of religion.