KINDNESS IS AN ENIGMA I HAVE YET TO SOLVE
Start writing a post
Student Life

KINDNESS IS AN ENIGMA I HAVE YET TO SOLVE

Why is kindness a trait that is always encouraged and yet it is never displayed?

38
KINDNESS IS AN ENIGMA I HAVE YET TO SOLVE
Beth Moon

For a long time now, I have always wondered whether people are born innately good or bad, and if we act accordingly. That is, do we spend our whole lives trying to be kind, or do we start our life by being kind but then the world brings out the evil within us? I think there is a strong argument for both, but it is still a riddle we may never solve.

I also wonder why then, at a young age, we are taught to be kind. Shouldn't we already know? Or is this another psychological concept in which the environment influences who we are? And why, if we are taught, do we not always display that kindness towards others, when we expect it in return? And these may be questions that seem irrelevant, but I know these are the questions we wonder but never utter out loud. I mean, even if we did, we will never really get an answer in return. Because is there an actual answer? Or a simple one? I do not know, and that is why I have always found kindness to be sort of an enigma.

I also do not understand why, as a society, we place such an emphasis on a characteristic that seems to be highly undervalued. As I have grown, I have observed many times in which kindness is displayed as a weakness, not as a strength. It opens the door for people to be hurt or taken advantage of. It is why I personally do not display kindliness initially towards anyone, because I may not get it in return.

And while I honestly believe I may not get it in return, it does not mean being kind does not matter to me. In fact, I value kindness above most characteristics, because I think that shows the depth of who a person truly is by the acts of kindness they demonstrate. Yet I feel as though to show this kindness may only hurt me in the end, and I can bet there are many others that would agree.

I have further wondered how people who are kind attach themselves to people who are not. I cannot explain how many times I have seen someone so kind and thoughtful friends with a mean and callous person. I wonder how these beautiful, kind souls allow themselves to be surrounded by people who are not. Is it to change them? To spread a little bit of kindness? I do not know the answer to that either, but I wonder.

What will always be heartbreaking to me is how many times I have heard someone say, "Wow, you are so kind. You really care what I have to say." Every time I hear those words, my hearts breaks a little more and more. Why is it so difficult for others to be kind to one another? What is it that prevents us from simply acting this way, from undervaluing a trait that makes or breaks us every day of our lives?

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, deserves to feel like they matter, like they belong, that someone cares, that someone is kind to them because we are human, and we all deserve to have kindness in our lives. Kindness is undervalued in a society that emphasizes it when we are young, but regards it with contempt as we grow older. How on Earth does that make any sense? I suppose it will always be an enigma I will not be able to solve, but hopefully one day society as a whole can.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56228
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36229
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958165
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187946
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments