The Elusivity of Kindness.

by LaFeminista

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Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 at 4:23:45am PST

Hmm, where to start?

A modern definition, American Psychological Association

n. benevolent and helpful action intentionally directed toward another person. Kindness is often considered to be motivated by the desire to help another, not to gain explicit reward or to avoid explicit punishment

Ok, a statement, not a how-to guide.

A popular oxymoron: Cruel to be kind. [The greater good.]

It is an unhelpful statement to say the least.

Confucius: “Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.”

Jesus: “Kindness should be extended to everyone, including enemies, and it should be selfless and generous.”

Dalai Lama: “My true religion is kindness.”

Muhammad: “Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.”

Talmud: “The highest wisdom is kindness.”

Native Americans: Traditions place a strong emphasis on kindness and compassion toward all living things, including people, animals, and the environment

Celtic Tradition: The honeysuckle character. [kindness, morality, and character]

I could go on, but kindness seems essential to being human.

As a Proto-Buddhist [I’ll write more when I understand more], Buddha said something along the lines of “To be kind, you must first learn to be kind to yourself.”

Now that is something to get to grips with, and I am a long way from that.

My partner and I promised each other “to be kind to one another”.

After 25 years, that is still a work in progress.

Damn, it's elusive.

A Morning Muse