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Recently, I have been thinking that kindness is inherently flawed. No one is actually truly kind. For example, let's say you smile and wave at your neighbor but all he does is curse at you with racist obscenities in response. You greet him once or twice but he continues to be nothing but rude to you. Will you greet him a third time? Most likely not.
True kindness is doing something out of pure goodwill from your heart while expecting nothing in return. But, most people are kind because they are expecting something in return: kindness. I treat others kindly so they may smile or act kind back. So that they may treat me the same way - the golden rule, so to speak. But that's what makes kindness inherently flawed. People are expecting reciprocity from gestures of kindness, whether it be consciously or subconsciously. They treat others with care, respect, empathy, so that people would do the same in return.
That's why I recently had some sort of epiphany. You see, to me, kindness is being true to yourself. Kindness should just be pure honesty. No fake pleasantries, no insincere politeness, nothing performative... just pure authenticity. Rude people are in a way, the most honest people in the world. They wear their heart on their sleeves and there's a greater transparent understanding between us from the get-go. There is a sort of commendable integrity in that.
So to my nasty, rude, racist neighbors, I would like to thank you. Thanks for being kind... in a way.
(Well, maybe not).
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youmakemyheartkaboom
While authenticity is valuable, true kindness doesn't have to be performative or expect nothing in return; it can be a conscious choice to act compassionately despite others' reactions. People can genuinely care and show kindness without expecting reciprocity, and such actions can foster better understanding and connection. Rudeness or hostility doesn't necessarily negate the possibility of genuine kindness or growth; it may simply reflect complex human emotions rather than a lack of authenticity.
Lakes
i agree with most of this. however i disagree that rude people are necessarily honest. people can rude for a lot of reasons & sometimes are dishonest with themselves
ᔕᗩᗰI
I literally just read an article abt kindness and altruism in school and how pure it could be
the guy who wrote it brought up points abt it possibly being instinctive and just happening bc that’s what was instilled in us as kids
I wouldn’t exactly say ppl being terrible because that’s how they are typically is ‘nice’, but I guess I see what you’re saying
Holden
There was a philosopher (don't remeber his name), that said that pure kindness only comes with disgust. You can't be fully kind to anyone because you always get this feeling of satisfaction and good conciense after. The only true kind actions are the ones that make you feel bad. I have a blog abut this topic too xd