I can’t stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action.
—Tennessee Williams (1911–83) American Playwright
Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Get it into your head once and for all, my simple and very fainthearted fellow, that what fools call humanness is nothing but a weakness born of fear and egoism; that this chimerical virtue, enslaving only weak men, is unknown to those whose character is formed by stoicism, courage, and philosophy.
—Marquis de Sade (1740–1814) French Political leader, Revolutionary, Novelist, Poet, Critic
Kindness is a language which the blind can see and the deaf can hear.
—Anonymous
Beneficence is a duty; and he who frequently practices it, and sees his benevolent intentions realized comes, at length, really to love him to whom he has done good.
—Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) Prussian German Philosopher, Logician
God is not kind to those who are not kind to others.
—Arabic Proverb
How wretched is the person who hangs on by the favors of the powerful.
—Robert Burns (1759–96) Scottish Poet, Songwriter
One kind word can warm three winter months.
—Japanese Proverb
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
—John Wesley (1703–91) British Methodist Religious Leader, Preacher, Theologian
Example is leadership.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it. As busy, active, relevant ministers, we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer. Those who can sit in silence with their fellowman, not knowing what to say but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.
—Henri Nouwen (1932–96) Dutch Catholic Theologian, Writer
The person whose doors I enter with most pleasure, and quit with most regret, never did me the smallest favor.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
A kind word is like a Spring day.
—Russian Proverb
The human spirit is not dead. It lives on in secret… It has come to believed that compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
The sense that some one else cares always helps because it is the sense of love.
—George Edward Woodberry (1855–1930) American Literary Critic, Poet
What this world needs is a new kind of army – the army of the kind.
—Cleveland Amory (1917–98) American Writer, Animal Rights Activist
Make a rule, and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: “I have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day.”
—Charles Kingsley (1819–75) English Clergyman, Academic, Historian, Novelist
He gives twice who gives promptly.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Let nothing be done in your life, which will cause you fear if it becomes known to your neighbor.
—Epicurus (c.341–270 BCE) Greek Philosopher
The greatest wisdom of all is kindness.
—Hebrew Proverb
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
With a sweet tongue and kindness, you can drag an elephant by a hair.
—Persian Proverb
Today, make an investment in someone else’s happiness.
—Unknown
T’was a thief said the last kind word to Christ. Christ took the kindness and forgave the theft.
—Robert Browning (1812–89) English Poet
Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.
—Unknown
Live for others, and they will live for you.
—Paramahansa Yogananda (1893–1952) Indian Hindu Mystic, Religious Leader, Philosopher, Teacher
Kindness and honesty can only be expected from the strong.
—Unknown
Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
The kindness planned for tomorrow doesn’t count for today.
—Unknown
True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess.
—Louis Nizer (1902–1994) American Lawyer, Author