Be Kind Because You Can

One theory says that if you treat people well, you’re more likely to encourage them to do what you want, making all the effort pay off. Do this, get that. Another one, which I prefer, is that you might consider treating people with kindness merely because you can. Regardless of what they choose to do in response, this is what you choose to do. Because you can. – Seth Godin

The reason why Seth is right about being kind because you can is that karma* always wins.

It.

Just.

Does.

*  *  *

* Being nice because you want something is a quid pro quo and it’s even slimier if the other person doesn’t know it. Don’t do it. Be kind because it’s the right thing to do. Because it makes you feel good – being kind is it’s own reward. And don’t worry, karma will see when you’re kind just because you can be as well.

Similar Posts

  • Cognitive and Physical Knowledge

    There’s a difference between cognitive knowledge (facts, ideas, etc., in your brain) and physical knowledge (being able to perform certain actions to achieve a result). And both are important. To know something cognitively is to study it in-depth: to read books from experts, consult with people who have experience and understand the component parts of…

  • The Dalai Lama and Money

    I betcha the Dalai Lama has a pretty good “money consciousness” (MC). I’ve been listening to an audio book in the car by the DL (that’s what I sometimes call him, cuz we’re down… ) (How To See Yourself, if you’re wondering) and when he mentioned money he got me to thinking. Thinking about how…

  • The Right Way To Gossip

    As destructive as gossip is normally, turned on its head it can be an incredible force for good. A recent e-mail from Darren Hardy described the power of reverse-gossip: talking about people, behind their backs, in a positive way. Read about it here.  It’s akin to (a definition of) true generosity: giving to someone who really…

  • Are We Enough?

    In the spirit of a koan, I offer the following: We seem to be in mode where we (think we) need more than ourselves to be somebody. Is this true? Is this true for you? If it’s true, is it accurate? Is it helpful? Is it constructive? Is it… ? You. Are. Enough. (More than, actually……

  • The Importance of Values

    Set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship. – Omar Bradley I’m pretty sure that by stars Mr. Bradley means values and by passing ship lights he is referring to the vagaries of popular opinion and culture. If so, he’s right. What do you value? Are your values reflected…