This article deals with the concepts of spontaneity and equilibrium. First, a thermodynamic discussion will allow us to differentiate some important thermodynamic quantities: G,Go,,G and Go. The different meanings of these quantities will be discussed with the help of one figure. We will focus mainly on discussing the meaning of spontaneity; that is, this concept refers both to determining whether a reaction is product or reactant favored and to predicting the direction in which a reacting system shifts in response to a disturbance. This foundation addresses some current misrepresentations. Finally, keeping this analysis in mind, we will study how general chemistry textbooks deal with all these related concepts and report some of the possible sources of misleading thermodynamic treatments.