@Mark Vanlaeys, thank you for this thought-provoking post and question. I'm going to ponder this one for awhile .... what does being kind actually mean? What would it mean for a country to be kind?
Kindness is definitely a verb, not a noun, and it always costs something. It’s also a sister of grace.
One of the best stories ever about kindness is called Babette’s Feast. A movie was made from the story and if you haven’t read or watched it, put it on your list.
"... kindness goes beyond mushy BS, beyond the fake smile. It typically involves at least a tiny amount of sacrifice..." I appreciate the reminder, that we must leave "concrete evidence" of our kindness. I notice you and I are subscribed to many of the same Substack writers - some of the kindest people I know, who always demonstrate tangible kindness in their stories - Justin Deming, Heather Brebaugh, James Ron, Switter, for example. As you say, kindness may not be evident on a national scale, but it is abundantly out there. Thank you, Mark!
Intelligent writing and talking is never verbosity! It’s exchanging and teaching and listening and all those good things that you do! (And encouraging people to meet their neighbors 😅)
#3 for me is greatest act of kindness. Especially these days when everyone is so distracted by their phones. Being present with someone is a true kindness. And means so much to me personally when they are. Great post Mark.
@Mark Vanlaeys, thank you for this thought-provoking post and question. I'm going to ponder this one for awhile .... what does being kind actually mean? What would it mean for a country to be kind?
This is deeply thought out. I guess no person or no country is always kind or always unkind. I’m still thinking about all you wrote. Thank you!
Kindness is definitely a verb, not a noun, and it always costs something. It’s also a sister of grace.
One of the best stories ever about kindness is called Babette’s Feast. A movie was made from the story and if you haven’t read or watched it, put it on your list.
"... kindness goes beyond mushy BS, beyond the fake smile. It typically involves at least a tiny amount of sacrifice..." I appreciate the reminder, that we must leave "concrete evidence" of our kindness. I notice you and I are subscribed to many of the same Substack writers - some of the kindest people I know, who always demonstrate tangible kindness in their stories - Justin Deming, Heather Brebaugh, James Ron, Switter, for example. As you say, kindness may not be evident on a national scale, but it is abundantly out there. Thank you, Mark!
I do believe in the value of kindness. I think my answer would be nuanced as yours was here.
Intelligent writing and talking is never verbosity! It’s exchanging and teaching and listening and all those good things that you do! (And encouraging people to meet their neighbors 😅)
#2 spoke to me, I need to reconcile with someone and it is a good guidepost, thank you! 🥰
Thanks for this compassionate post, Mark.
#3 for me is greatest act of kindness. Especially these days when everyone is so distracted by their phones. Being present with someone is a true kindness. And means so much to me personally when they are. Great post Mark.
Beautiful, Mark. Kindness is powerful. Thank you for reminding us.