Last Updated on September 20, 2022

Are you satisfied with what you know about kindness? Or are you struggling with this question:

“What is the true meaning of kindness?”

Either way, let’s discuss kindness — its true meaning. This way, you can identify genuine acts of kindness and embrace them.

What is the true meaning of kindness?

Kindness is when a person shows care, love, and affection for another person. The recipient then gets a warm and fuzzy feeling — enough to brighten their day or even life.

Places where you can practice true kindness:

• Home – Show respect to your family members. Listen to their opinions and be gentle when speaking up your mind.
• Work – A corporate culture of kindness can improve your workplace. So always be nice to your colleague and maybe offer a helping hand when necessary.
• Public venues – To name a few public venues, there are shopping malls, parks, and amusement centers. Offer random people compliments, buy a stranger a cup of coffee, or just greet the security guard.

What can kindness be?

To get an answer to your question on what is the true meaning of kindness, know that kindness goes beyond “showing” a positive image of yourself.

It’s less about making other people see you. It’s more about “behaving” in a good light.

What true kindness is:

• Acts of generosity – Providing financial aid and opening your home to the less fortunate are common examples. A kind-hearted person shares what he has with others.
• Consideration and concern – Kind people show empathy and think about what’s good for the wellbeing of other people. They don’t make impulsive decisions and would first weigh any factor that would make an impact in the lives of others.
• Helpfulness without reward – People with kind hearts will make the world a better place. And they couldn’t care less if society rewards them for their good deeds.

Genuine kindness vs. fake kindness

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Sadly, many people can misinterpret what is the true meaning of kindness. That’s because genuine kindness comes with qualities that can overlap with the qualities exhibited by fake kindness.

Here are pointers that can help you see the difference between genuine kindness and fake kindness:

• Genuine kindness is humble – It’s confidence that doesn’t make other people feel inferior. Meanwhile, fake kindness is often an excuse to display arrogance.
• Genuine kindness is being true to yourself – It’s about respecting other people, but speaking your mind. Meanwhile, fake kindness is about getting praised for saying something agreeable — albeit false.
• Genuine kindness is an act of selfless love – You pursue something for someone with no self interest. Meanwhile, fake kindness is about pursuing something for selfish reasons.

What is the true meaning of kindness according to others? 15 quotes about true kindness

How you show what is the true meaning of kindness is up to you. You may be kind in easy ways. Or you may resort to grand gestures.

Either way, you can learn from the words of other people.

Here are 15 of them:

Kindness in leadership

1. “It’s not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. We just need to be kind, unconditionally and without ulterior motive, even – or rather, especially – when we’d prefer not to be.” — Josh Radnor
2. “As much as we need a prosperous economy, we also need a prosperity of kindness and decency.” — Caroline Kennedy
3. “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

Kindness in treating illnesses

1. “Every day, some act of kindness comes my way, even if it’s just someone opening the door. It happens every day if you keep an eye out for it. Keeping an eye out, that’s the key.” — Aaron Neville
2. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain
3. “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” — Bob Kerrey

Understanding the role of kindness

1. “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” — Lao Tzu
2. “Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” — Eric Hoffer
3. “Just imagine how different the world could be if we all spoke to everyone with respect and kindness.” — Holly Branson

Kindness and a positive attitude

1. “Together we can change the world, just one random act of kindness at a time.” — Ron Hall
2. “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” — Barbara De Angelis
3. “Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.” — Theodore Isaac Rubin

Believing in the power of kindness

1. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward. Be safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” — Princess Diana
2. “Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.” — Joseph B. Wirthlin
3. “I simply do not think that yelling, swearing, threatening or belittling will get you to the place you want to be faster than kindness, understanding, patience and a little willingness to compromise.” — Rachel Nichols

So, what is the true meaning of kindness for you?

There are a plethora of reasons we need to be kind to others. What’s yours?

What is the true meaning of kindness for you?

To have an answer to these questions, examine the situations in your life. Then try to find something related to the discussions in this blog post.

For example, your roommate offered to pay 6 months’ worth of rent for you. And your roommate proposed this selfless offer after realizing you’re getting back on your feet.

It’s an example of true kindness. It’s a testament of your roommate’s support for you.

If that vibes with how you define true kindness, then be free to embrace it.