Three Powerful Quotes That Explain the Magic of Kindness

The ripple effect of kindness works mysteriously

Kindness is a foundational virtue, which nurtures other higher attributes like empathy and compassion.

Kindness is loaded with a high spiritual quotient. A giver or performer of kindness has to raise above the self, even if it’s for a brief moment. The erasure of the self affirms life’s interconnectedness, which is the ultimate spiritual truth.

Let’s dive into the first quote:

“Remember, there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act of kindness creates a ripple with no logical end.” ( Scott Adams, American writer and cartoonist)

We tend to measure acts of kindness on a scale of value. For example, greeting a stranger with a smile is “a little act of kindness;” donating a million dollars is “a great act of kindness.”

Our beliefs about grading acts of kindness may make literal sense, but in the cosmic scheme of things, every act of kindness counts because we can never know how the ripple effect is going to operate.

A smile may prevent a desperate person from taking their own life; the million dollars donated to charity may change the lives of countless people.

The fact is that everything that is intrinsically valuable is immeasurable through human notions of value.

The ripple effect of kindness has no “logical end.” The roots of kindness spread far and wide, unseen and unknown to the giver and the receiver.

The beauty of kindness is it’s twice blessed. Since kindness is a self-transcending act, the givers feel a surge of positive emotions as happy chemicals like serotonin flood their bodies. The brain’s reward system makes a note and prompts the givers to perform more acts of kindness.

The receiver of kindness feels grateful to the giver. Gratitude is a life-affirming and soul-uplifting feeling. It makes the receiver appreciate the value of kindness.

Gratefulness erases selfishness. The receiver activates the supply chain of kindness by helping others.

Kindness sticks to our souls, whether we are a receiver or giver. Both the giver and the beneficiary trigger the ripple effect in their own ways.

Let’s look at the second kindness quote:

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly and most underrated agent of human change.” (Bob Kerrey, American politician)

Unexpected kindness has a huge transforming power.

For the giver, acting kindly unexpectedly refreshes the mind and elevates the spirit.

Unexpected kindness has a dramatic impact on the receivers. It can repair and energise damaged relationships; it can nurture loving relationships.

The element of pleasant surprise redoubles the impact of unexpected kindness.

Unforeseen kindness heals wounded hearts and reaffirms our faith in humanity.

When an arrogant boss speaks a few kind words unexpectedly, the employees feel valued and respected. Their morale and productivity go up.

Unexpected kindness from strangers can transform lives. Reciprocity sets off a chain reaction of goodness.

Sometimes, performing an act of kindness spontaneously can save lives. People on the verge of “ending it all” respond instantly to an offer of hope and renewal.

Unexpected kindness is underestimated, as we often miss opportunities to show kindness and do not regret our inaction.

We undervalue impromptu acts of kindness as they seem effortless and inexpensive.

The third kindness quote

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.”( Eric Hoffer)

Kindness has stickiness. It’s self-reinforcing. Nobody performs a random act of kindness and stops being kind.

Being kind is a positive experience, which soothes the body and the mind and elevates the spirit or soul.

Over time, kindness will exist for its sake; kindness will become a habit we perform, an attitude we adopt and a mindset we exhibit.

Final thoughts

The three citations mentioned above detail the deep and subtle dimensions of goodness.

Kindness is a superpower. It’s intrinsically valuable no matter how it’s performed. Measuring kindness on a scale of value is futile and meaningless.

Unexpected kindness is most powerful, but we underrate its effect to change lives. The pleasant surprise underlying unplanned kindness redoubles the impact on the receiver.

Kindness is sticky and infectious. It reinforces itself until it becomes a habit.

There is no reason to withhold kindness except when people start exploiting the giver’s generosity. A truly kind person exercises discernment cautiously without depriving the deserving people a chance to experience kindness.

Thanks for reading this story.

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