“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
— Mark Twain
We’re taught the mantra from a young age — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This one saying contains mountains of wisdom. If put into practice, it packs a serious wallop.
Most people don’t practice it, though. They brush it off. They act as if it’s a nice lesson for everyone to follow except them. The result of one man’s indifference is large scale apathy. It’s a domino effect.
It isn’t difficult to be kind and friendly to all. After a bit of practice, it starts to feel natural. You start to notice its powers. Here are 9 of them.
Photo Credit: Kyle Taylor (Creative Commons)
1. It’s admirable.
An honest man with integrity is respected by all. If you do the right thing, and do it consistently, people will take notice. Your reputation will improve.
2. What goes around, comes around.
Karma exists. If we engage in hurtful actions, we encounter suffering. On the other hand, doing good attracts more good things into our lives. Be patient and appreciate small rewards.
3. You feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Generosity and love fill us with joy. Smile at a homeless person, write a letter to an old friend, donate ten dollars to charity. When we bring light into the lives of others, we brighten our own life, as well.
4. Your positive energy is magnetic.
Human intuition is precise and senses the good or bad vibrations of any person or situation. People always gravitate to a caring heart and genuine personality.
5. You’re changing the world.
As Gandhi famously quoted, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” When we are good to others, we’re making our little sliver of the world better.
6. Kindness is contagious.
When you are a nice person, you inspire people around you to be a little nicer as well. Jealousy and hatred also spread easily. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
7. Your character is who you really are, when no one is looking.
At the end of the day, you fall sleep at night knowing how you’ve treated people. You value yourself and your life greatly when you live with integrity.
8. You will gain many long-lasting friends.
When we are honest, we never have to remember to cover our tracks. When we are slow to anger, we avoid pointless arguments. Friendships blossom when you treat your friends the way you’d like to be treated.
9. You cultivate compassion.
You begin by forcing yourself to show respect. Soon, you start to see everyone as another human being. Then, you notice others’ misfortune, and you hurt for them. You gain appreciation for your blessings, and you start to want to help others. With compassion, you soar.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”
― Plato
Can you imagine a world where the golden rule is the norm? What good deeds have you done lately?
About Jordan Bates
Jordan Bates is a Lover of God, healer, mentor of leaders, writer, and music maker. The best way to keep up with his work is to join nearly 7,000 people who read his Substack newsletter.
So true!
I’ve kept on doing this for a while mostly unconsciously, but people notice it. I’ve been told by several people that they’re happy we’ve met ’cause I’m a positive person and they’ve loved having me around, cause I spread light.
Hearing this is so fulfilling and makes you happy:)
(you’re doing a great job with this blog, thank you!)
Hey Eleonora,
Your comment makes me smile. It’s always great to hear from other people who have discovered the true power that lies in simply living from a place of kindness and understanding. It’s difficult work and requires daily vigilance, but you’re right — people do notice, and they gravitate to you (the ones you want around at least). Hope you’ll stick around and keep reading. Thank you very much for the kind words. 🙂
I always show others how I would want to be treated and it doesn’t always work that way. An example, I show/give emotional support to others but when I need it I don’t always get that back. I show people that because that is what I would like from them but they don’t always recirporate what I show to them and it hurts, so leading people on to think what you do and put out there will come back to you would seem false to me.