Pat Taub
It is a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one’s life and find at the end that one has no more to offer by way of advice than ‘try to be a little kinder.’
–Aldous Huxley
In 2025, kindness is in short supply. The mind-numbing genocide in Gaza is in its 15th month. Trump’s appointments spew hate towards migrants and Palestine supporters, and women standing for abortion rights, along with discrimination towards Blacks and Native Americans. As a country we have a serious kindness deficit.
A grandfather and grandson trying to survive among the rubble in Gaza
Kindness is demanded if we’re to survive as a species. Unless we can halt the tendency to bomb adversaries rather than wage peace, we run the risk of a nuclear war. Foreign policy experts like Jeffrey Sachs and Scott Ritter have gone on record saying we are closer to a nuclear war than at any time in history.
Scott Ritter, lower right, with panelists warning about a nuclear war
Unless we can love the planet and stop abusing it by burning fossil fuels, we will be extinct sooner rather than later. The LA fires are a case in point.
Why did Huxley make kindness the key to a meaningful life?
I think it’s because when we perform a kind act for another, we feel enlarged and frequently happy. Kindness makes meaningful connections possible. Kindness can have a ripple effect. When someone is kind to me, I want to return the favor. I want to implant similar feelings of good will in another.
Many children instinctively practice kindness
When neighbors are kind to one another, a community can prosper.
Huxley isn’t alone. The Buddhist tradition emphasizes kindness and compassion.
The Dalai Lama has said that his religion is “the religion of kindness.” Venerable peace workers like Dorothy Day and the Berrigans made kindness their life mission, working to eradicate poverty and war. Most of us grew up with our parents reminding us to be kind to one another.
How does one live a life where kindness is central, where it becomes a conscious daily practice that extends not just to our family and friends but to the planet?
A good way to begin is to plant the intention to become kinder at the start of your meditation practice, or through journaling where you vow to look for opportunities to be a kinder person, as in practicing random acts of kindness.
Consider extending your kindness practice by joining a peace group or a climate justice organization where you can collaborate with like-minded souls.
Participating in a socially-conscious kindness circle can ameliorate feeling helpless in a world dominated by anti-kindness. I belong to a women’s peace group that meets regularly where we discuss ways to support Gaza. While we recognize change is slow, we are buoyed by being among others with loving hearts.
My Portland Maine Women’s Peace Group (two members absent), January, 2025
Kindness includes kindness to self, particularly when feeling low: make a list of your strengths, frequent places where your soul is soothed, like a walk in the woods, or reach out to an understanding friend.
I am always amazed at the fullness of spirit I feel when I offer kindness to others. When I can, I stand in actions in support of Gaza, give money to homeless solicitors who shiver in the cold at traffic stops, or pass along my appreciation to the elderly woman school crossing guard, or to the grocery clerk with a generous spirit. When someone offers me kindness, as simple as a friendly greeting, I feel more alive.
Kind hearts standing for Gaza and a ceasefire
Let’s form a kindness army where we soften our hearts towards our neighbors while developing kindness strategies for a planet on life-support.
