“Compassion and happiness are not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.” -Dalai Lama
It’s a common misconception that kindness is a sort of weakness. In their book On Kindness, psychologist Adam Phillips and historian Barbara Taylor suggest we equate independence with strength; and kindness with neediness, submission, and weakness–perhaps even mental illness.
Phillips and Taylor go on to explain kindness as an evolved state of being, building off Freudian theory, since it requires a willingness to be vulnerable to improve collaboration, which is essential to finding meaning in life.
Whether you’re more influenced by Buddhist philosophy or psychological research, two things remain true:
- Kindness takes strength. It requires you to look beyond yourself long enough to empathize with someone else, and act solely for their benefit.
- Kindness makes the world a better place. From improving someone’s day to saving someone’s life, kindness can work miracles.
How can you be strong and kind today?
