Comments on: A revolution of Kindness

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 20:35:57 +0000

P.S. Certainly wouldn’t hurt if I could learn to spell “dignity”!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 20:27:23 +0000

Not only is it “uncool” to be kind, it’s also considered somewhat weak-minded and self-righteous. At work I’m teased for being a goody two-shoes, because I try to help people see the other side(s) to a situation. Because I try to do the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. And uncomfortable I often am, because I’m embarrassed when I talk about treating everyone with respect and dignigy–and everyone in the room looks at me as though I just sprouted wings or something.

Sigh. I don’t want to make excuses for others’ behavior, but sometimes there are factors beyond the obvious. Plus a little kindness in our judgment of them goes a long way.

By: blogdog

blogdog — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 23:13:01 +0000

I believe there is still room in the universe for kindness, even if it’s not the major force pushing the universe these days. Be a rebel — continue to be kind where you can.

For my part, I find the dogs always appreciate it. No wonder I pretty much prefer them to people.

By: daretobe

daretobe — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:49:41 +0000

I believe in kindness, and my exploring kindness in my own life has validated my beliefs. It is very easy for us to get caught in the hectic world we live in and to have our thoughts revolve around “self”. Yet when we pause and take a moment and step out of our self and do something simple for someone else, kindness is re-discovered.

As a youth I was a Polyanna, and as life took hold and I had to participate in the “Real World” I became much more of a pessimist. However by expecting the worse or negative in my life, I honestly believe I often encouraged negativity entering my life. Today I am back to my positive attitude, and no life isn’t a smoothe trouble free ride, I probably have more problems than most, but because I choose to be positive and kind to others, my life is definitely more enjoyable.

By: cassie-b

cassie-b — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:19:15 +0000

I think there’s lots of kindness “out there”. Sometimes you just have to start first. I try to stay away from people who have sharp tongues and try to make people unhappy. Can’t always do it, but I keep the list as short as possible.

We have a family member who is always ready for a battle. I try hard to keep in the safe zone. If that makes me cowardice, so be it. But I’ve cried enough in my life.

Cas

By: susan

susan — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 06:32:20 +0000

Kindness lost out to supposed honesty which in truth was only rudeness.

By: violetismycolor

violetismycolor — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 04:12:37 +0000

I think that kindness is the most essential thing that any human being can learn. I am so with you on the whole being kind thing…

By: Eric Mayer

Eric Mayer — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:52:29 +0000

As the song put it, what’s so funny about peace, love and understanding? (Well, OK, Elvis Costello sounded like he was pretty pissed off at, and not very understanding of, people who found those things funny….)

It is hard, though, to be a decent person these days. As you point out, the moment you even hint that you might be motivated by anything other than, for example, greed or power lust, you’re labelled a wimp, or a liberal (as if that’s a pejorative) or just a liar. Some people don’t seem able to believe that anyone might honestly care about anything beyond their own self interest. The debasement of our society only serves the worst people, those who really don’t give a damn about anybody else.