Kindness
Kindness:
A person who is kind is said to bear a good moral character. He is loved and talked highly about by people around. However, this should not be the reason to indulge in acts of kindness. Kindness is something that must be done selflessly. If we expect people to appreciate us or return the favour then it is not kindness, it is selfishness. It clearly indicates that we are doing it with a selfish motif.
Different Definitions of Kindness
Different learned people and religious scriptures have defined kindness differently in the past. As per Chinese teacher and philosopher, Confucius, “Of neighbourhoods, kindness is the most beautiful. How can the man be considered wise who when he had the choice does not settle in kindness”. He urges to “recompense kindness with kindness.”
As per ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle, kindness means “helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped”. As per American writer and humorist, Mark Twain, “Kindness is the language which the dumb can speak, the deaf can hear & the blind can see.” As per Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, “deeds of kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments.”
“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again”, said the American philosopher, William Penn.
The definitions of kindness may differ but the essence of all these is the same. Kindness is referred to as an essential virtue.
God Has Been Kind to You; You Must Be Kind to Others
If God has been kind enough to give you a good life, you must be kind enough to help those around you build a good life too. This is to say that if you earn well then give a small amount of your earnings in charity. If you are good in studies then do not hesitate to help your fellow students if they come to you for any kind of assistance. If God has made you physically-abled then help those who aren’t. For instance, you can help a blind person cross the road or carry the grocery bag home for the old lady who lives in your neighbourhood. If you have enough space in your balcony or garden then hang bird feeder and keep a bowl of water filled for the birds. Donate your old clothes and shoes to the poor and needy. There are so many poor kids who roam around without shoes and clothes. A number of NGOs request people to help them serve such people. Even a small contribution from your side can make a difference. Likewise, do not waste food. Give the leftover food to those who need it instead of showing it the dustbin.
If you can take out some time from your schedule then get involved in social service. You can begin by providing basic education to the poor little children around your house who cannot afford to study in the school.
These are small examples of how you can spread kindness. Imagine if each one of us inculcates this quality and is kind to everyone around, this world will become a much better place to live.
Conclusion
People must be kind to those around them and see how things change for good. Being kind to others, helping them and spreading smiles does not only do good to the recipients but also offers a deep sense of satisfaction to the one who indulges in the act.
