Just Be Kind

I respect kindness in human beings first of all, and kindness to animals. I don’t respect the law; I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.

Brendan Behan

During my time as a broke and bored college student, I took it upon myself to read the literature of every major religion. My Catholic upbringing, despite instilling good values, never sat right with me. I had to know what else was out there. At the end of all that, my conclusions was that all religions adhere to the same basic principle. Just be kind.

Far too often, snap judgments are made based on the ways someone dresses, their political bumper sticker, or how they chose to discipline their kid. And, far too often, we are mistaken in our first impressions.

Lately, I see so many heated arguments over differences in option. However, as an objective observer, it’s often evident that those yelling at each other are after the same thing. We all just want to be treated kindly and with respect. Yet, while fervently demanding this from others, so many fail to uphold their own standards of integrity.

I don’t know about you, but “kindness” covers all of my religious and political beliefs. No need to spell them out. No need for gaudy exclamations and acts of self-righteousness. My actions, I hope, speak for themselves.

If, at the end of this life, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others unhappy is a crime. And to make ourselves unhappy is where all crime begins.

Whatever it is you believe, you must try to contribute joy to the world. Plant flowers, bake cookies, visit the nursing home, buy lemonade from kids on the corner, and dole out compliments at every change. Be a good person.

There is so much drama, negativity, and suffering in the world. I think those bearing witness to the dire state of society have the responsibility to counteract the pain and the vitriol. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try.

Like Behan, “I respect kindness in human beings first of all”. Whatever your religious or political affiliation, I bet that you, too, believe in kindness.