Life or death is binary. So life is essential for being, therein not a preference. In that context anything that strengthens that position (improves likelihood of life continuing) is good, as opposed the opposite. It depends on each individual’s unique background, make up, and circumstances for what those things might be at any point in time.

Didn't you just swap "being" in for "life"? My why question still would apply to being. What makes "being" good? Your preference? Again on my side I think that's all I have to answer that question of what makes being good. I wish I had a stronger answer, but it seems preference based, not objective