Kindness. The simple word has such a vast range of meanings and emotions. The act of being kind is a very important virtue, and yet there are so many people, such a large number of us that lack this virtue. We tend to ignore such petty things and over the years, forget the mere act of showing kindness. 'Do good and good will come to you' is one such true quote that partially conveys result of kindness. Those who really 'do good' will relate to this statement, and those that don't believe it as an utter lie and deception of the real world, where there is every man for himself. I believe in the former, that you will be re-payed for your actions in the same way you choose to perform them.
Such acts may really be little, such as letting someone do something before you, or holding the lift/door for someone. It isn't as if such things go unnoticed either. Take for instance Robert James "Bobby" Fischer. Everyone knows he became World Chess Champion in 1972, his extreme skill in chess and his famous games against GM Boris Spassky, which at the time was considered an extension of the Cold War. In short, everyone knows him for his chess. However, if you were to ask anyone, "what was Fischer like as a person" a lot of people won't be able to give you an answer. Although he was possibly the finest chess player, he was arrogant and stubborn. He wouldn't co-operate until his whims were suited, and would rarely accept to a suggestion other than his own. His death, due to renal infection, could also have been prevented, had he allowed it to be examined, which he refused. No one remembers him for his character, simply because he didn't leave that kind of likeliness.
Skeptics may return, "what, then, is kindness?" It would be wrong to set a parameter of any sort to kindness, because there cannot be a limit to such things. When one person gets something in return for nothing, it is blackmail. When a person gets something in return for giving something of his own, it is an exchange. However, when a person gives something and doesn't expect or want something in return, that can be defined as kindness.
Kindness, to the right person, can be much more than what is seems like in passing. To the people, that need it, who have too less of it, such an act is more of a gift to them than anything money can buy.
To end, with a quote:
"...would it be asking too much to be kinder than is necessary?"- JM Barrie, The Little White Rose
Kindness, to the right person, can be much more than what is seems like in passing. To the people, that need it, who have too less of it, such an act is more of a gift to them than anything money can buy.
To end, with a quote:
"...would it be asking too much to be kinder than is necessary?"- JM Barrie, The Little White Rose
