Kindness as an Organic Duty

Before, I looked very high on people who are wealthy, intelligent, and hold high positions. Actually, I had encounters with some of them but they lacked empathy and viewed themselves with superiority. I saw how unkind they treated others, and it revealed their character. Now, I realize that all of those are superficial attributes only. A certain person may possess such but if he does not have kindness to others, he cannot be named as successful. Actually, I attained all my achievements in life because of the people who showed kindness to me; I appreciated all their efforts of sharing what they had. They believed in me, and I am now paying it forward to the community. If it were not for them, I would not be a teacher and person who I am today.

In a capitalist country like the Philippines, some businessmen do not think much of others. They want to voraciously cultivate their riches. They continue to build what they have, and think more on collecting possessions even at the expense of exploiting other people. They are reluctant to share their material wealth, and are unwilling to serve if there is nothing in return. Their egotism do not lead them toward success, instead divert them from the real essence of life. When one do not think of helping others anymore, he is trapped in the mire of mundanity. He becomes disillusioned. He becomes oblivion of life’s beauty.

Also, in this incumbent governmental administration in our country, I have observed how authorities lack kindness toward the people they supposed to serve and protect. They are easy to judge and kill someone who are suspected as drug addict or seller. They are being killed immediately without a fair trial. Some folks assert that extrajudicial killings are a manifestation of kindness to us Filipinos for they shall never destroy the future of someone else. I disagree because such is a grave disrespect toward life. I believe that people may change if we just show mercy and kindness to them.

For me, kindness is an organic duty toward ourselves and to the wider social context. It is our responsibility as human beings, both in the personal and societal level. It is never an option only. Imagine a world without kindness; chaos shall arise. When people become cruel to themselves and are absorbed by abrasive thoughts and actions, they shall be deranged. They will forget their souls and the humanity in them. A human does not become humane anymore, in this case. When they start to be cruel and harsh toward one another, devastation will be next. Without kindness, the prerequisite toward community building, humanity shall gradually decay.

Each member of a community has limitations, and kindness can satisfy such limits. When the culture of kindness emanates in a group of people, it becomes a genuine community. It is not just a mere assemblage of individuals. Fragmentation are reduced, people are bridged, and life becomes vivid. It is what makes people be at peace and free from violence. Regardless of gender, religion, or any socio-demographic classification that becomes a divisive factor in building harmonious relationships, kindness becomes an aid toward inclusivity. Kindness counters isolation. It makes the world flourish.

The virtue of kindness impedes the iterative cycle of negative self-centeredness which is rooted from the evil apathy. Having an unpretentious interest on the welfare of others could significantly empower not just the person who manifested such generous act, but also the humanity in general. This also fortifies the harmony and interconnectedness among all of creatures in the planet.