15 quotes about the power of kindness

"The power of kindness quotes is worth more than the greatest intentions"

Many psychotherapists and health professionals agree that kindness increases energy, happiness, lifespan, pleasure and serotonin. Participating in random acts of kindness produces oxytocin. Oxytocin helps to lower blood pressure, boost self-esteem and positive thinking.

However, the power of kindness quotes does more than improving our state of wellbeing. Utilising the words of 15 great men and women, let's unpack the undeniable power of kindness has to shape our world for the betterment of all. 

 

‘Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.’ - Albert Schweitzer, humanitarian, writer, theologian.

 

It is true, is it not that kindness has the ability to change us. We can greatly affect the outcome of a situation by choosing to use kind and gentle words of kindness; if we meet hostility with hostility, conflict increases. Conversely, hostility often disbands when one is intentionally kind. 

 

‘It’s all really very simple. You don't have to choose between being kind to yourself and others. It's one and the same.’ - Piero Ferrucci, psychotherapist, philosopher. 

 

Sometimes kindness is nothing more than giving up the need to be right, first, or to finish in front. Yet, some see kindness as weakness. Psychotherapist and philosopher Piero Ferrucci states that kindness to others does not equal unkindness to self.

‘Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.’ - Samuel Johnsen, poet, essayist, novelist.

 

Though we know kindness is beneficial to all, the trouble is in the doing, as doing is often powered by feeling. Executing kindness is rare when it is not often reciprocated. However, whether we feel like being kind or not, we still hold power to do so.

 

‘Without love and kindness life is cold, selfish, uninteresting and leads to distaste for everything. With kindness, the difficult becomes easy, the obscure clear; life assumes a charm and its miseries are softened. If we knew the power of kindness - we would transform the world into a paradise.’ - Charles Wagner, writer, pastor.

 

It seems 'not feeling like it' is no excuse for holding back kindness. Many of us wake and go off to work when we don't feel like it; likewise, we attend to children or exercise and eat well without engaging our emotions. We do this because we understand the benefits of doing so, or more accurately, the costs of indifference. Kindness is similar; withholding it comes at a cost. 

 

‘A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.’ - Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer, author.

 

After intentionally extending kindness, benefits are not always seen. In fact, nobody knows the true extent of one kind word. Amelia Earhart reminds us that kindness is indeed just that, an unisolated act. And more than an act, it is, in truth, a power. 

 

‘Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.’ - Rumi, poet, scholar.

 

There is no doubt that is administering kindness influences and accomplishes much. Rumi says it most poetically. He shows that the most accurate definition of kindness is ‘an extension of love’, and love is the most powerful force as it multiplies what is most profitable for all.

 

‘Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all which have the potential to turn a life around.’ - Leo Buscaglia, author, speaker, professor.

 

This lingering of love has the capacity to heal, strengthen and restore trust, and that is no less than life-changing.  Why kindness? Because the benefits are personal and far-reaching. Because it improves all aspects of our lives. Because without love and kindness, life lacks significance. Because kindness is powerful. Kindness is never wasted!

 

‘I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.’- Pablo Casals, cellist, composer, conductor.

 

And we have the choice. Yes, kindness depends solely on us. It is never beyond us. We can not choose where we are born, or when or in which family. We can not choose who we fall in love with or if another will love in return. However, we can choose to be kind and in choosing kindness prove that it is the most important choice we have to make.

 

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, author.

 

In fact, it is a choice we must choose over and over again, thus making it a lifestyle we adopt. Yes, kindness is a way of being as well as a way of doing.

 

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." ― Henry James, novelist and poet.

 

It is picked up by every human heart. All peoples know kindness when they encounter it. It exists outside of race, religion, gender and culture. True kindness can not be bottled, sold or bartered for.

 

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ― Mark Twain, author.

 

 And so we say, although kindness is available for all to give and receive, it must be encouraged, celebrated and given freely. 

 

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.”
― George Sand, novelist.

 

It must be given not in niceness or politeness but in love. This means we participate in kindness not because it is expected or because we have something to gain but because love (which is not a feeling) leads us to live kindly.

 

“Be a little kinder than you have to."                ― E. Lockhart, author.

 

And in following loves lead, we build a life that is marked by loyalty, togetherness, integrity and goodness. We become the brightest version of ourselves and in turn help to create families, communities and nations that are healthy and strong.

 

 “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ― R.J. Palacio, author.

 

Yes, kindness is a sign of courage and comradeship. It is a characteristic of the greathearted, the high-minded, the illuminated soul.

 

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.”
― Kahlil Gibran, writer.

 

Feature photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash