Acts of Kindness: 12 Quotes that Inspire Compassionate Actions
To inspire acts of kindness and compassion, we asked twelve professionals, including CEOs and Directors, to share a quote that motivates them and an instance where it moved them to act. From the universal language of kindness to the impact of small acts of kindness, discover the powerful words that guide these leaders in their daily interactions and decision-making.
- Universal Language of Kindness
- Empathy in Unseen Battles
- Understanding and Forgiveness in Relationships
- Every Interaction as an Opportunity for Kindness
- Finding Purpose in Serving Others
- Kindness as a Contagious Culture
- Showing Genuine Care in Business
- Reciprocating Kindness in Small Acts
- Transformative Power of Small Kindness
- Benefiting Others as Compassion
- Living by the Golden Rule
- Impact of Small Acts of Kindness
Universal Language of Kindness
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
Being kind is something everyone can understand, no matter who they are. It’s a simple way to connect with people. Regardless of someone’s abilities or backgrounds, a kind gesture or word is universally felt and recognized. This sentiment always nudges one to be more compassionate and patient, understanding that kindness can bridge any gap. It serves as a reminder that, even in the business world, a little kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s day.
Upholding kindness in a business context is crucial, and this quote always comes to mind. There was once a customer who faced an issue. Instead of just solving the problem, a step further was taken by adding a personal touch to the solution. Compassion was offered and efforts were made to improve her experience. That customer became a loyal supporter and showed how kindness can turn situations around and be great for business.
Tim Sutton
Director, Coffee Geek
Empathy in Unseen Battles
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” – U.S. Army Spc. Douglas Jay Green
For me, this quote constantly reminds me of the importance of kindness and compassion towards others. Once, I met a worker who seemed upset. Instead of making assumptions or passing judgment, I approached him with empathy, listened to his concerns, and offered my emotional support. He was dealing with family problems.
This simple act of kindness made a significant difference in his day and strengthened our professional relationship. This incident moved me to act and reinforced the idea that showing compassion can have a positive impact on others, even if it is a small action.
Peter Jones
Sustainability Consultant, Carbon Accounting
Understanding and Forgiveness in Relationships
“You cannot both hate and truly understand another person.” – Alex Hormozi
This quote deeply resonated with me regarding my relationship with my father. For years, we had a strained relationship, and I harbored hurt and resentment towards him. I was upset and could not properly communicate or show him compassion because I did not truly understand his perspective.
My hurt prevented me from putting myself in his position to comprehend how he felt and where he was coming from, whether right or wrong. After reflecting on this quote, I realized I needed to make an effort to understand my dad in order to release my own pain.
So, I had an open conversation with him to understand his viewpoint and emotions. Although difficult, it allowed me to finally forgive him verbally and acknowledge his feelings. My dad broke down crying.
Showing that empathy opened the door to mending and strengthening our relationship.
Sophia Victoria
Writer and Wellness Nerd, Sophiv.com
Every Interaction as an Opportunity for Kindness
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” – Seneca.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, the great Roman intellectual, statesman, and Stoic philosopher, reminds us that we are all worthy of compassion.
For most people, most of the time, we practice compassion and kindness only for those whom we know, showing coldness and indifference towards those in our periphery. These people, by virtue of being human beings, are equally worthy of kindness, not just your friends and loved ones.
Consequently, every time you meet someone new, you are presented with a new opportunity to practice compassion and spread positivity wherever you go.
Remember this quote whenever someone visibly needs help. It could be a younger person seeking career advice or a vulnerable person needing physical support. Whatever the context, don’t make familiarity a prerequisite for kindness, and instead treat every person as an opportunity to be kind.
Ben Schwencke
Business Psychologist, Test Partnership
Finding Purpose in Serving Others
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi
This quote reminds us that by helping and showing kindness to others, we often discover our own sense of purpose and fulfillment. One instance where this quote moved me to act was when I witnessed a homeless person sitting on a street corner during a cold winter night. I remembered Gandhi’s words and decided to invite them into the salon for a warm coffee and offered to groom their hair.
It was a simple act of kindness, but it made me realize the power of small gestures in making a positive impact on someone’s life. It also served as a reminder that acts of compassion not only benefit others but also bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to our own lives.
Hannah Clarke
Owner, Hannah Clarke Advanced Skin and Beauty
Kindness as a Contagious Culture
“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
It reflects how kindness and compassion can go a long way toward making the world a better place to live in. Because if we can change a person’s life through kindness, it will become contagious and foster a culture of compassion throughout.
In the professional setting, I’ve seen how tough work can get. I always remember this quote in my leadership roles. One time, a team member was having a hard day. I could tell something was wrong.
So, I just talked with them and listened. That chat helped them feel better. It also made our team feel closer. This quote reminds me that being kind and understanding at work can make a big difference.
Chris Burgess
Project Lead, EuHu by Findel
Showing Genuine Care in Business
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This quote has helped me many times when I have worked with some very distressed sellers in our real estate business. I knew that when I was working with them; I had the best intentions to help them out of their situation, but in many cases, they did not initially feel that way.
By continuing to show through my actions that I was there to serve, they were able to eventually let their guard down, and we were able to truly help them out.
Sebastian Jania
CEO, Ontario Property Buyers
Reciprocating Kindness in Small Acts
“Kindness can only be repaid with kindness. It can’t be repaid with expressions like ‘thank you’ and then forgotten.” – Malala Yousafzai
This quote is one that I think of often because of how poignant it is. When someone shows a great deal of kindness to you, it’s appropriate to do the same in return and not just shrug it off. Acts of kindness have been something that have taken off in popularity because of how one small gesture can affect another person. This quote always reminds me to be kind and to take part in random acts of kindness when I can.
I often like to pay for the person behind me in the drive-through at a coffee shop, or even bring in my neighbors’ garbage cans on garbage day. These small acts don’t take much from me, but I know when they happen to me, it makes my day.
Sam Rock
Owner, Infinity Laser Spa
Transformative Power of Small Kindness
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop.
This quote has been a driving force behind many decisions in my sportswear business. Early in our venture, we encountered a struggling school with minimal sports facilities. Despite budget constraints, this quote reminded me of the significance of every act of compassion. We donated a substantial batch of our sportswear to their athletic department.
The joy and gratitude on the students’ faces reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of kindness. It’s not just about selling sportswear; it’s about promoting an active lifestyle filled with compassion and understanding.
Jay Barton
CEO and Founder, ASRV
Benefiting Others as Compassion
“The best of men is he who benefits others.” – Hazrat Ali
I love reading quotes to stay motivated. This quote from Hazrat Ali (A.S.), the first Imam of Shia Muslim, is extremely deep and teaches a lot about how a person can be kind and compassionate to others by benefiting them. The benefits can be of any sort, such as monetary benefits, physical benefits, or anything else. One should always be there for people and try to make things easy for them.
For instance, I helped my aunt with some motivational words and a good talk when she was at her lowest, and I saw her feeling relaxed and motivated after the conversation. This made me feel that sometimes people only want someone to listen and be kind to them so that they can gather themselves to keep going.
Kiran Mehra
Co-Founder and President, GoldspotPens
Living by the Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” – Anon.
It’s the golden rule, right? Maybe I’m silly, but I operate with a cosmic-level fear that if I mistreat others, I’ll deserve what I get in return. I want to be treated well; I want a happy, successful life. Therefore, I’d better treat others kindly.
Christopher Olson
CFO, Surfside Services
Impact of Small Acts of Kindness
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde.
One instance where this quote moved me to act was when I saw a homeless person sitting on the sidewalk with a sign asking for help. Instead of just walking by, I stopped and asked if they would like something to eat or drink. The genuine gratitude in their eyes made me realize that even a small act of kindness can make a big impact on someone’s day.
It may not solve all their problems, but it shows them that someone cares and is willing to help in any way they can. This experience reminded me to always show compassion towards others, no matter how small the gesture may seem. The next time you see an opportunity to show kindness, remember this quote and let it motivate you to take action. Let us all strive to be kinder individuals and create a ripple effect of positivity in the world.
Keith Sant
CMO, Eazy House Sale
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