of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person.
2.
having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words.
3.
indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane (often fol. by to): to be kind to animals.
4.
mild; gentle; clement: kind weather.
5.
BritishDialect. loving; affectionate.
[Origin: bef. 900; ME kind(e) natural, well-disposed, OE gecynde natural, genial1. See kind2]
—Synonyms 1. mild, benign, benignant, gentle, tender, compassionate. Kind,gracious,kindhearted,kindly imply a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure. Kind implies a deep-seated characteristic shown either habitually or on occasion by considerate behavior: a kind father. Gracious often refers to kindness from a superior or older person to a subordinate, an inferior, a child, etc.: a gracious monarch. Kindhearted implies an emotionally sympathetic nature, sometimes easily imposed upon: a kindhearted old woman. Kindly, a mild word, refers usually to general disposition, appearance, manner, etc.: a kindly face.
"Kindness is the act or the state of charitable behavior to other people.
In philosophy and culture
Kindness is considered to be one of the Knightly Virtues, and is a regnized value in many cultures and religions (see ethics in religion). It is considered to be one of the seven virtues, specifically the one of the Seven Contrary Virtues (direct opposites of the seven deadly sins) that is the direct opposite to envy[1]. The Talmud claims that "deeds of kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments." Paul of Tarsus defines love as being `patient and kind...` (I Corinthians).
In Buddhism, one of the Ten Perfections (Paramitas) is Mettā, which is usually translated into English as "loving-kindness". Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama wrote "my religion is kindness" and authored a book entitled Kindness, Clarity, and Insight.[2]
Confucius urges his followers to "recompense kindness with kindness."
According to book two of Aristotle's Rhetoric it is one of the emotions (see list of emotions), which is defined as being "helpfulness towards some one in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped"[3].
In a study of 37 cultures around the world, 16000 subjects were asked about their most desired traits in a mate. For both sexes, the first preference was kindness (the second was intelligence).[4]
Kindness and love, the most curative herbs and agents in humanintercourse, are such precious finds that one would hope these balsamlike remedies would be used as economically as possible; but this is impossible. Only the boldest Utopians would dream of the economy of kindness.
Islamic view of kindness:
"Kindness is half of life.", Imam Musa Al-Kadhim, the 7th Imam of Shia Islam school of thought, Imam Musa Al-Kadhim was the 7th leader after prophet Mohammed as per the beliefs of Shia Muslims." - Wikipedia
Stories of Kindness
One of the best ways to learn virtue is to read about it and to practice it! Check out these stories of Kindness and other virtues. If would like to submit some of your favorites, please send them to me!
Dad Sacrifies life to save his little girl. What a great story of personal sacrifice of a Father for his little girl. Get a box of tissues and click the link to read more about this wonderful guy!
Community responds to fire. Great story of an entire neighborhood responding to a fire at two homes. One neighbor (A firefighter) went in to save a 3 month old. Another (or possibly the same) offered to put them up until their house was fixed, the entire community came together to raise thousands of dollars, provide food, clothing, etc. This story from start to finish is a great example of how Love heals!
