Article June 3, 1972 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from Louis Spilman

Louis Spilman in the News-Virginian Waynesboro, Virginia

One of the sweeter words in our language is "kindness." Kindness ... encompasses compassion, beneficence, unselfishness, goodwill and affection. Kindness generates a sense of well-being in the giver as well as in the recipient. Kindness assuages grief; helps dispel loneliness; and creates the conviction that we're wanted and needed. ... Kindness, among other things, involves smiling and cheerfulness. A smile attracts; a frown repels.

Kindness is one thing that we cannot give away. It always comes back to bless us. The greatest lever in moving the hearts of men is kindness. Kindness is the prime factor in overcoming friction and in making human machinery run more smoothly. If we are strong enough to do a kindness for someone who may have wronged us, there is no more certain way to bring about restitution. An act of sincere kindness, either by word of mouth or by hand, is the surest method of dissolving suspicion and misunderstanding.

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