Creating Society full of kindness

On the 8th day of April 2007, on a beautiful Sunday morning.  I found myself in the school clinic very ill, and could not eat nor stand. I laid like a log of wood waiting to be chopped for a campfire. With all these emotions running through me, I closed my eyes thinking it was going to be my last day on earth.

 I heard a cry very close to my sick bed, I opened my eyes only to see my parents crying. I asked "What are you doing in my school", and I was told that they came to take me home. "Taking me home?" I said in a low tune. The thoughts clouding my head at that particular moment were; "what about the summer examinations I have to write? , the preparation leading to the examination, and whether or not I'll be writing the examination with my classmates?"

After my appendectomy, I was able to meet up with the examinations but, what really amazed me was, (Ifeanyi Ogba) my classmate's act of kindness, he made sure my notes were up to date, and he also provided the important materials needed for the examinations. This act of kindness shown to me by Ifeanvi Ogba was highly appreciated and it made me completely ready for the examinations. This act of kindness reminded me of a quote credited to Scott Adams which states "Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end".

According to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary 9thEdition: "Kindness is the quality of being kind and to be kind consists of caring about others, gentle, friendly and generous"

At the age of 15, during my class session on the Good Samaritan, we were asked one after the other what kindness meant to us. I can vividly remember saying "Kindness is all about how I want others to treat me" My Christian Religious Knowledge teacher, Mr Chris looked at me with an applause gesture and it simply made me satisfied.

Kindness, I consider a virtue and also, one of the primary natures of humans; it is a tree that produces the other traits of human nature and when naturally planted by humans can bring about balance in society. In all the religions practiced in the world, kindness is a common thread that cuts across all religions. These religions always make sure that their members know that kindness is what aids the existence of humans, some religions' teachings on kindness are:

• Christianity: "In everything; do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law"(Matthew 7:12)
• Islam: "Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself" (Hadith)
• Buddhism: "Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful"( Udanavarga 5:18
•  Hinduism: This is the sum of duty; do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you" ( Mahabharata5:1517)

But in all these teachings, it still worries me that the act of kindness has been ignored by man, instead, unkindness is the order of the day. This unkind attitude displayed by man has made people see each other as competitors instead of co-operators. I believe when kindness is practiced, it demonstrates true nature, and it brings about responsibility and love.

If I am asked "How do you think we can create a kinder society?. I will reply by saying; "The moment we realize that a balanced society is where everyone is happy about their neighbour's progress and elevation not minding sex, colour, or race. This little form of happiness can bring about the society being a better society"

In conclusion, creating a society full of kindness is considered a virtue that can be shown by our smiles, spoken words, and positive relationships with fellow humans. In these ways listed above; one will consider kindness as a culture that will be automatically defined as an element that can be transferred from one generation to another. We should always remember that no form of kindness is too small or little, we should try our best to show the act of kindness to all, and by that, we will be promoting peace among ourselves. When Kindness is practiced, it demonstrates true nature, and of consideration, it brings about responsibility and love.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. - Lao Tzu.