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Introduction
In this article, I have put together kindness quotes to encourage you to show love and care every day.
I believe kindness is powerful and can change lives by making the world better. It is like a two-way street, benefiting both giver and receiver, as the receiver feels valued and supported, while the giver experiences joy and a sense of purpose.
This mutual benefit strengthens relationships and creates a positive ripple effect in our communities. Indeed, kind acts, even the smallest ones, have the power to start a chain of wonderful events.
Now, many famous people have shared their thoughts on prizing kindness through memorable quotes. These kindness quotes can change not just other people’s lives, but ours too.
So, together, let us look at 20 famous kindness quotes, and try to understand the hidden meaning they hold for us.
The Power of Kindness Quotes
Maya Angelou once said,
“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.”
Small Kindnesses Make a Big Difference
Even small things like a smile, a pleasant word, or a bit of help can mean a lot to someone. Aesop, a wise storyteller, said,
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Be Kind to Yourself Too
It is important to remember to be kind to ourselves as well. Treating ourselves with kindness is just as important as being kind to others. Harold S. Kushner, who wrote some influential books, captured this in the below kindness quote:
“Being kind to yourself is a way of being good to yourself.”
When we look after ourselves, we fill up our own ‘kindness tank.’ This means we have more kindness to share with others.
So, kindness starts with us and can spread to the entire world!
Kindness Quotes from Influential Figures
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu, a famous activist from South Africa, once shared a powerful kindness quote. He said,
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Indeed, this kindness quote tells us that even minor acts of kindness can create big changes.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, a well-known poet and civil rights activist, spoke about kindness’s power to change lives in the below quote. She said,
“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.”
Princess Diana
Princess Diana, famous for her charity work, highlighted the value of kindness. She said,
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
She also thought that kindness could make the world more caring and connected.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the below kindness quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American writer, spoke about being kind. He said,
“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
Indeed, his quote reminds us to always be kind, as it can have a big impact.
The 14th Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, always promotes kindness and compassion. He said,
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
Joseph Joubert
Joseph Joubert, a French writer, thought kindness was more than just being polite. In this famous quote on kindness, he said,
“A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.”
Joubert believed true kindness means showing love and compassion to everyone, even when it’s hard.
This tells us that even minor acts of kindness are important. They can make someone’s day better and show them that they matter.
Compassion and Empathy in Kindness Quotes
Cheryl Strayed, the author of the bestseller “Wild,” spoke about the power of compassion. She believes it’s all about giving love freely. Her famous kindness quote,
“Compassion isn’t about solutions. It’s about giving all the love that you’ve got,”
This quote highlights this idea. Strayed shows us that true compassion means offering love without expecting anything back.
Moving on to Princess Diana, her dedication to compassion shone through her charity work. She once said,
“Compassion isn’t a duty; it’s a joy. It’s not a burden; it’s an opportunity.”
This kindness quote tells us that Princess Diana saw compassion as a way to positively impact others, not just a responsibility.
Leo Buscaglia, often called “Dr. Love” was a motivational speaker, who always encouraged kindness. His words, remind us that even small acts of kindness can change lives.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word…”
Richard Gere, an actor and humanitarian, also understood compassion’s role in a better world. His kindness quote reads:
“What we all have in common is an appreciation of kindness and compassion; all the religions have this. Love. We all lean towards love.”
So, Gere’s quote reflects the universal value of kindness across cultures and beliefs.
Lastly, Albert Schweitzer, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, spoke about kindness and compassion’s impact. He believed,
“Constant kindness can accomplish much…”
This quote emphasizes that kindness, like sunshine, can melt away conflicts and bring understanding between people.
Kindness in Action
Random Acts of Kindness
Indeed, random acts of kindness can really brighten someone’s day. They help us feel connected and positive. In this kindness quote, Anne Herbert famously said,
“Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.”
When we are kind without expecting anything in return, we help make the world kinder and more caring.
Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl, loved for his children’s books, believed kindness was the most important thing. He said:
“Kindness is my number one attribute in a human being.”
So, Dahl thought kindness was key to bringing out the best in us.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, known for helping the needy, taught about love and kindness. She advised:
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Evidently, she was a firm believer that kindness spreads joy and happiness.
Barbara De Angelis
In the below kindness quote, Barbara De Angelis, an expert on relationships, also stressed the value of love and kindness. She said:
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.”
Richard Gere
Richard Gere, known for more than his acting, spoke about the power of our actions. He said:
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Scott Adams
So, the “Dilbert” comic strip creator talks about kindness. In this kindness quote, he famously said,
“Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
Wes Angelozzi
He was a motivational speaker, who also believes in kindness. He says,
“Go and love someone exactly as they are. And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves.”
So, this shows how love and acceptance can change people for the better.
Joe Hayes
Joe Hayes, an author, understands kindness too. He says,
“Kindness is an electrical spark of life that runs through all kingdoms and has a reciprocal action when shown to others.”
Anne Herbert
She is known for a special quote on kindness. She says,
“Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.”
Also, this encourages us to do kind things without planning.
Steve Maraboli
He is a motivational speaker, talks often about the power of kindness. He says,
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
Indeed, kindness can heal deep emotional pain.
Kindness Quotes on Generosity
Andrew Iskander
Being a coach, he defines kindness and says,
“Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.”
Bree Miller
A mindfulness coach, she links kindness to compassion. She says,
“You can cultivate mercy when you extend acts of compassion and kindness to yourself and to other people.”
Harold S. Kushner
He is a rabbi who advises extra kindness. He says,
“Always be a little kinder than necessary.”
So, this suggests that going beyond what’s expected in kindness can have a big impact.
Thomas Carlyle
He is a philosopher, who, in the below kindness quote, talks about treating others well. He says,
“A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.”
Indeed, true greatness is in how we treat those less powerful.
Kindness Quotes on Gratitude
Abraham Lincoln, a former President, valued kindness. His famous kindness quote shows how kindness is key to a united community.
“Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.”
Moving on to Henry van Dyke, an author, who connects gratitude with kindness. He says,
“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”
This kindness quote means gratitude and kindness are closely linked.
Next, we have Charles Glassman, a doctor, who talks about understanding struggles and says,
Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.”
Sarah Fielding, an English author, highlights the healing power of kind words. Her kindness quote reads:
“The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.”
Lastly, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a Roman philosopher, sees kindness in every interaction. He believed,
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”
Books & Other Recommendations
Also, alongside the powerful kindness quotes we just explored, we have handpicked a selection of remarkable books and products that truly embody the spirit of kindness.
1. "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World" - by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
This book is a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, in which they talk about finding happiness in tough times. Their stories and advice are easy to understand. It is also full of kindness quotes, great for anyone looking for a positive read.
2. "The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life"- by Piero Ferrucci
Piero Ferrucci’s book explains why being kind is good for you. It uses science to show how kindness changes lives. Indeed, the book is full of ideas and kindness quotes, making it perfect for readers who want to understand why kindness matters.
3. "The Kindness Diaries: One Man's Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the World" - by Leon Logothetis
In this book, Leon Logothetis travels the world using only the kindness of strangers. His story is all about how kindness connects people. And of course, this book also has many kindness quotes. It is a good choice for those who love real-life adventures.
4. "The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living" by Dalai Lama
This book is a mix of Eastern wisdom and Western ideas. The Dalai Lama shares tips on being happy and peaceful. This is indeed an easy read and has lots of kindness quotes. A great pick for anyone looking for practical tips on happiness.
5. "Random Acts of Kindness: 365 Ways to Make the World a Nicer Place" by Danny Wallace
Danny Wallace’s book is fun and inspiring. It gives you 365 ways to be kind every day. Each idea is simple and makes a big difference. So, this book is great for daily inspiration and kindness quotes.
6. Spread Kindness T Shirt for Women
In order to add a touch of positivity and style to your wardrobe you can also try “Spread Kindness T-Shirt for Women.” The t-shirt’s main highlight is its uplifting message: “Spread Kindness“, which is not just a fashion statement but a way to spread a positive message, making it a must-have in your wardrobe.
7. Fun Express Plastic Kindness Coins
So, these “kindness coins” are a colourful and affordable way to teach children the value of doing good to others.
When someone is kind to them, children can be rewarded with a coin that thanks them for their kindness. The child who receives the coin can then pass it along when someone else is kind to them. This practice is more meaningful than just saying a quick “thank you,” which everyone often takes for granted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the common thread running across all kindness quotes is that kindness can change lives for the better and make the world more caring and connected. Random acts of kindness can trigger a snowball effect and start a wave of positivity which can spread far and wide.
Further, these kindness quotes also remind us of the importance of being kind to myself. Indeed, as they say, charity begins at home! So, by being kind to ourselves, we can also be kind to others. Now, isn’t this powerful thought something that can help us create a more loving and understanding world?
So, with that thought in mind, I would now invite you to share your experiences of kindness in the comment box below. How has kindness impacted your life? We would love to hear your story!
Also, if the quotes in this blog have sparked a little kindness in your heart, then you will love what’s next. We have curated a self-care guided meditation to help you find inner peace and self-love a video on our very own YouTube Channel, that is sure to motivate and move you.
So, do give it a watch and continue to be wrapped in the warmth of self-love and kindness.
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