If the members of a society becomes so self-absorbed that being kind to one another, even strangers seems to be a bother, or a waste of time, then they very fabric of the society will begin to crumble. it would become intolerable and very dangerous and stressful just trying to make it through the day.

The more crowded our cities become, the more crucial is the need to have empathy with others. Japan is a case in point: when one visits or lives there the first thing one notices is the extreme population density, next how very considerate the average Japanese is towards her/his fellow citizens. The theory is that quite some time ago wise people realized that their society would soon turn...

If the members of a society becomes so self-absorbed that being kind to one another, even strangers seems to be a bother, or a waste of time, then they very fabric of the society will begin to crumble. it would become intolerable and very dangerous and stressful just trying to make it through the day.

The more crowded our cities become, the more crucial is the need to have empathy with others. Japan is a case in point: when one visits or lives there the first thing one notices is the extreme population density, next how very considerate the average Japanese is towards her/his fellow citizens. The theory is that quite some time ago wise people realized that their society would soon turn on one another living in such a crowded conditions, and so we can all learn from that example. Plus as the article says, its better for all, and the bonus is you will feel better about yourself.

Cheers

Regarding the "what's in it for me" of it, I already knew that it "enhances feelings of joy, self-worth, emotional resilience and optimism". You simply can't do a good deed and not smile inside humungously afterwards, (and outwardly too!), it's just not possible, but I had no idea it was chockerblock full of health benefits too!! Another great reason to get on the happy-smiley-goody kindness bandwagon and give yourself something to pat yourself on the back about!. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it lowers cholesterol levels too or risk of heart disease. (Well, at least one sort of 'heart' disease gets cured anyway.)

Now I can hear that song playing in my head: "You've got to try a litt...

Regarding the "what's in it for me" of it, I already knew that it "enhances feelings of joy, self-worth, emotional resilience and optimism". You simply can't do a good deed and not smile inside humungously afterwards, (and outwardly too!), it's just not possible, but I had no idea it was chockerblock full of health benefits too!! Another great reason to get on the happy-smiley-goody kindness bandwagon and give yourself something to pat yourself on the back about!. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it lowers cholesterol levels too or risk of heart disease. (Well, at least one sort of 'heart' disease gets cured anyway.)

Now I can hear that song playing in my head: "You've got to try a little kindness, just show a little kindness. Shine your light for everyone to seeeeee!

(I'm never gonna be able to get that tune out of my head now for the rest of the day. Crikey! Thanks guys, your fault! Sheesh! What I have to go through here! Chuckle chuckle. ) I love clips like this one. Thanks for the kindness you showed by sharing this!

*You've got to try a little kindness....oh, turn down the volume already!*

@NonStatQuo,

If you look at it philosophically, and not ideologically, it makes sense. Sure it should be as you say, but that's not how it typically works. If we felt bad in the act of giving - we wouldn't do it. Likely if we felt indifferent (to giving or not) - we wouldn't do it either. So, it must be the self-gratification that's one of the major elements of the event. The look in recipient's eyes, the value it brings to their life, whether short or long etc. What I find that's too bad, especially in the country I come from, is the expectation of return favor/gift etc. when one is given. Reciprocity rules over there and it's truly sad. The same is also very refreshing about Americ...

@NonStatQuo,

If you look at it philosophically, and not ideologically, it makes sense. Sure it should be as you say, but that's not how it typically works. If we felt bad in the act of giving - we wouldn't do it. Likely if we felt indifferent (to giving or not) - we wouldn't do it either. So, it must be the self-gratification that's one of the major elements of the event. The look in recipient's eyes, the value it brings to their life, whether short or long etc. What I find that's too bad, especially in the country I come from, is the expectation of return favor/gift etc. when one is given. Reciprocity rules over there and it's truly sad. The same is also very refreshing about Americans, who give much more than others and typically don't expect anything back. True kindness.