<p>American novelist Henry James noted: "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. <br /><br />And the third is to be kind." And how do we know that what he ascribed more than a century ago is accurate? We know, as it has been proved, time and again, that those who are happy, fulfilled and successful in life are the ones who have lived their lives by this principle of being kind, kind and kind all the time.</p>.<p>For instance, to the renowned US industrialist Charles M Schwab, kindness was a way of life. When at the age of 72, he was sued for a large sum of money, he handled the matter with utmost kindness to the plaintiff. Many high-profile personalities would have used their authority to settle the case.</p>.<p>Yet, Schwab went through with it and eventually won the suit. Before he left the witness stand, he asked permission of the court to make a statement of a personal nature; this is what he said: "I am an old man, and I want to say that 90% of my troubles have been due to my being good to other people. If you younger folk want to avoid trouble, be hard-boiled and say no to everybody; you will then walk through life unmolested, but..." and here a broad smile lit up his face, "you will have to do without friends, and you won't have much fun."</p>.<p>What this acclaimed businessman of the 19th century was implying is simply this: the crux of a happy, vibrant and fulfilled life lies in all the kindly acts that fill our days.</p>.<p>Be it our family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, acquaintances or complete strangers who tread our paths, lacing our daily activities with random and intended acts of kindness towards them, will set us apart and win for us lasting relationships.</p>.<p>This is also precisely the philosophy that is propagated by all spiritual leaders worldwide. For, kindness in every area of our lives will create for us a wealth of virtues.</p>.<p>In the words of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher: "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."</p>
<p>American novelist Henry James noted: "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. <br /><br />And the third is to be kind." And how do we know that what he ascribed more than a century ago is accurate? We know, as it has been proved, time and again, that those who are happy, fulfilled and successful in life are the ones who have lived their lives by this principle of being kind, kind and kind all the time.</p>.<p>For instance, to the renowned US industrialist Charles M Schwab, kindness was a way of life. When at the age of 72, he was sued for a large sum of money, he handled the matter with utmost kindness to the plaintiff. Many high-profile personalities would have used their authority to settle the case.</p>.<p>Yet, Schwab went through with it and eventually won the suit. Before he left the witness stand, he asked permission of the court to make a statement of a personal nature; this is what he said: "I am an old man, and I want to say that 90% of my troubles have been due to my being good to other people. If you younger folk want to avoid trouble, be hard-boiled and say no to everybody; you will then walk through life unmolested, but..." and here a broad smile lit up his face, "you will have to do without friends, and you won't have much fun."</p>.<p>What this acclaimed businessman of the 19th century was implying is simply this: the crux of a happy, vibrant and fulfilled life lies in all the kindly acts that fill our days.</p>.<p>Be it our family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, acquaintances or complete strangers who tread our paths, lacing our daily activities with random and intended acts of kindness towards them, will set us apart and win for us lasting relationships.</p>.<p>This is also precisely the philosophy that is propagated by all spiritual leaders worldwide. For, kindness in every area of our lives will create for us a wealth of virtues.</p>.<p>In the words of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher: "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."</p>
