Photo by DownTown Pictures Faith in Humanity: How to Bring People Closer, and Restore Kindness
The other day I was at the DMV here on Guam, renewing my registration for both my vehicles. I got there early, as I hate lines, but realized that I forgot an important document.
Well, the woman at the DMV saved me about an hour’s worth of driving and waiting in line by paying me a kindness … she accepted my registration by interpreting the regulations in a favorable way.
And that kindness just made my day.
It’s amazing what a little kindness can do for you. I drove away from the DMV with a great feeling, with a love for humanity, with a desire to do good for others and pay her kindness forward.
I’ve since paid my debt of gratitude forward in a bunch of ways, but it’s gotten me thinking about kindness and humanity in a broader sense. I have an enormous faith in humanity … but I think we all need to work to bring kindness back to our modern society.
While running with my sister at the local track yesterday, we were talking about kindness and courtesy in our society. My sister, Katrina, has noticed that people are less courteous and more rude to each other nowadays. They don’t say simple things like “Thank you” or open doors for each other or even smile at strangers.
I’m not sure if things on this front have gotten worse in recent years, but if it has, I suspect the change isn’t in people, it’s in the loss of a sense of community. It’s that we don’t come together enough, and are separated from each other in many ways.
The Effect of Anonymity
What happens when people get in cars and then converge on the roads? For some reason, they become rude, inconsiderate jerks (for the most part). But if these same people were to meet face-to-face, and have to spend time together and get to know each other, they would most likely make an attempt at being nice, at the very least.
When we’re in cars, we can barely see the other drivers. We certainly don’t care what they think, and we know they don’t know who we are. Sure, some people are considerate drivers, but for the most part, people are aggressive and uncaring when they’re in their cars.
That’s the effect of anonymity.
When we actually get to know people, we usually act differently. We want to be seen as good in other people’s eyes (the social component of the human animal), and as such, we’ll usually go out of our way to be nice — if we interact with the person on a personal level, not an anonymous level.
Our Divided Society
As my sister Katrina pointed out, our society is changing in a number of ways … all of them in some way dividing us as individuals:
1. Less religious. A much smaller proportion of our population is religious these days, which means fewer people are going to church. This means they don’t get together in the same way they used to, praying, doing community projects, getting to know each other. Some people may think that’s a good thing, as they are against organized religion, but the truth is that there hasn’t been a strong unifying non-secular organization emerge to take the place that church used to take in our community and in our lives.
2. Television and other media. Much more of our time is spent indoors these days, watching TV, playing video games, playing or working on the Internet, watching movies, etc. This means we are separated from each other. We don’t get together as a community anymore, we don’t play outside as much (or if we do, it’s in individual ways for the most part), we don’t meet face-to-face.
3. Car society. In the days of yore, people used to walk on the streets. People would see each other on the streets and say hi, stop and chat. Kids used to play in the streets. But cars have overrun our streets, and they are no longer safe for kids or pedestrians or bikes. We are forced into cars, because there’s no better way to get around (for the most part — in some cities, mass transit is a viable alternative, but not where I live). And when we’re in cars, as I mentioned above, we are separated from our fellow human beings.
Amish Barn Raising
When I think about ways we can come together as a community, to interact in more personal and positive ways, I think of the Amish barn raising tradition. The community comes together to help a family … this is the kind of tradition where people help each other out, get to know each other, and bond.
I think about that, and I wonder if there are ways we could get the community together, helping each other out. There are already some of these kinds of activities, such as community cleanups, Habitat for Humanity, other charity organizations, and the like. These are amazing ways to bring people together, in a common cause of helping others.
I’d like to see more of these kinds of things. I don’t have the answers, but I do know that if we make an effort to organize ways to help each other out, and come together, our communities will be better off. People will get to know each other, and will be kinder to each other.
That’s my hope, at least.
My Faith in Humanity
Call me naive or hopelessly optimistic, but I have a very positive view of humanity. Sure, we see greed and rudeness and abuse and selfishness every day. But I believe that’s more a symptom of the systems in our society, rather than of an evil human race.
I have faith in humanity.
I often leave my car doors unlocked. I carry cash around, just ready for a mugger to take it from me. I give money to people who say they need it, if I have it, not worrying about whether they’ll spend it on food or drugs or whatever.
Recently a reader asked for a way to buy the Zen To Done ebook in some other way than PayPal. I didn’t have a good way to do that, so I emailed him the book and asked him to mail me a check — having faith that he’d do it. Not only did he mail me a check, but he added an extra $40 to the total, with a note that the extra money was for copies he planned to give to friends and for my hard work here at Zen Habits.
That guy made my day. He proved that my faith in humanity is justified. I keep his note in the book I’m reading as a bookmark, so that I see it several times a day.
You guys, the readers of Zen Habits, are incredibly giving, kind, encouraging, supportive, generous.
I meet people every day who are friendly, who do me kindnesses, who lift my spirits.
Humanity is a wonderful thing. People are amazing, beautiful creatures.
What we need are ways to bring out the best in people. To bring them together. To have them help each other, instead of trying to outdo each other.
We need freer systems, instead of the authoritarian ones that oppress us now. We need cooperative systems, instead of the competitive ones we have now. We need unifying systems, instead of the divisive ones that exist today.
We need change. And as Gandhi famously said, “We must be the change we want to see in the world.”
I hope to be that change. I hope you will too.
Pay It Forward, Zen Habits edition
So how can I start this change, in some small way, and have it have little ripples throughout the world?
There are so many ways, but I’m going to take a page from Oprah. She did a “Pay It Forward” episode where she gave 300 audience members $1,000 each, with a camcorder and a challenge to spend the money on charity or individuals in acts of kindness. (See also: Pay It Forward Foundation)
I do not have $1,000 to give away, let alone $300,000. So I ask myself, “Self, what do I have that I can give to people?” And self answered: you have an ebook, and you have blog traffic that you can use to help smaller bloggers. Neither of those are amazing gifts, but they’re small acts of kindness that I’d like to give away.
Here’s how I’ll do that:
1. Free ebooks. The first 30 people who comment on this post, asking for an ebook, will get a free Zen To Done ebook emailed to them. All you have to do, in the comment, is say that you promise to pay the gift forward with some act of kindness to another person (not a relative) in your community. The act can be small or big, and you don’t have to specify what it is. I will trust you to do it.
2. Link to your blog. I can’t link to every blogger in the world, but I would like to link to some who will return the favor with an act of kindness in the real world. All you have to do is write a post on your blog explaining what kind of kindness you’ll do to pay it forward, and link to this post. If your link doesn’t appear in the trackbacks section below (next to the comments), email me to let me know about your post (zenhabits at the gmail). If it appears in the trackbacks, I’ll see it, so don’t email me. In a few days, I will link up to all the bloggers who linked to me in a new post, called “The Bloggers of Kindness”. I can’t guarantee a lot of traffic, but it’s the best I can do.
3. Just be kind. If you aren’t a blogger or don’t need an ebook, you can still participate. If you read and enjoy this blog, consider Zen Habits and the time I spend on it my gift to you … and just pay it forward with an act of kindness in your community, to an individual or charity. And ask those people to pay it forward to others, and to continue that chain of kindness as far as possible.
Here’s Ben Franklin on this concept:
I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you […] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.
How will you pay it forward? How can we bring our community closer together? Do you have faith in humanity? Share your thoughts in the comments, or continue the discussion in the Zen Habits forums.
- Posted on 29 November 2007 in Happiness |
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Comments (172)
Joe P. Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:30 pm
I’ve just recently discovered your blog and have been delighted with the thoughtful commentary. I look forward to applying this pay it forward concept, and would very much like to receive a copy of your e-book, which sounds interesting. Thanks so much.
Corey Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:32 pm
Hi, Leo. If I’m in the top 30, I would be grateful for a copy of your e-book and promise to pay it forward. This blog post, as are so many others of yours, was inspiring. Thanks for all your hard work!
doug Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:35 pm
am i too late for an ebook? i swear ill do it.
Jen Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:35 pm
I’m a big believer in the pay it forward idea. And sometimes it is so simple to do so - giving a little extra at the toll booth, helping out somene else and so forth.
girl least likely to Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:36 pm
much like joe, i’ve only recently discovered this blog (via a post about your ebook on vegblog). i’ve loved all the posts i’ve read so far, and i also totally agree with your philosophy of doing kind things just because it’s the right thing to do (and it feels nice!). i think this is such a sweet idea, and very generous of you! i’d love a copy of the ebook, and i promise to pay it forward!
Erin Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:39 pm
Great post - in the last several months I’ve been trying to be friendlier and I was pleasantly surprised to see people responding positively. When I go for a jog I smile and say hi to the people I pass and it totally makes my day when they smile back.
Dirceu Pereira Tiegs Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:40 pm
Hello Leo,
Your blog is amazing. Some concepts such as MIT, big rocks and the whole simplicity thing that you advocate really changed my life (for better, of course :-)).
I really like a copy of your e-book; I live in Brazil and I don’t have international credit card nor a paypal account… so I promise you that I will (continue to) be kind to other people.
Thanks a lot for sharing this!
Maggie Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:42 pm
Wonderful post! You’re such an inspiration. I’m already loving my ebook and don’t need another, but would love to take the opportunity to join you all in paying it forward.
Violet Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:44 pm
This was a wonderful read - very uplifting. I’d love a copy of your e-book and would absolutely promise to pay it forward with kindness to someone else.
I’m a fairly new reader of your blog but I really enjoy it - and have passed the URL along on several occasions. I’ll continue to do so with or without an ebook!
Maria Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:45 pm
Leo,
Thanks for zen habits and all of yourself and your wisdom that you share. I have been reading you regularly for several months now. I admit that I am motivated to leave a comment for the first time by your offer of your free e-book, but do promise to pay it forward and will leave you a comment later as to how I did that.
Shalom,
Maria
John Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:49 pm
I love zen habits. It has made me become a much better person.
Oprah’s challenge is interesting. A lot of people wouldn’t give away that $1,000 won by choice
Amy Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:50 pm
Lovely, I’d be happy to take an eBook for a kindness to humanity. Very cool, Leo.
John Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:51 pm
I promise to pay it forward. I would love to help the community shelter or something of the sort.
Chris Em Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:54 pm
Thank you for your articles!! They’ve meant so much. In fact, because of you I’ve begun blogging the adventures of life after 60 after a major move across the country!
I would like to add that I’ve spent the better part of my life ‘paying it forward’. It’s worked well for me and hope your readers get the concept.
Bless your heart — Chris
Andrea Hackbarth Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:54 pm
I am new to your blog as well, but have enjoyed reading it daily. I would love to read the e-book, and promise to pay it forward.
KCCC Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:57 pm
I have been reading your blog (intermittently, as time permits) for a while now, and enjoy it.
I’d love a copy of your e-book if I qualify.
And even if I don’t, I’ll pay a kindness forward just for the pleasure your post gave me this evening.
Warren Says:
November 29th, 2007, 22:58 pm
Thanks for the blog, it’s helping a lot with all facets of my life.
Looking foward to the e-book and thanks for the opportunity!
- Warren
David Gane Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:00 pm
I have enjoyed reading your blog for sometime now and I would like to thank you.
Recently, I attended a big win for a local sports team that took thousands of people into the streets to celebrate. The weather was cold (the wind-chill was -18 C) but the spirit of the people was so good and positive, it made it an amazing experience to be a part of.
It is at moments like this, I still believe in kindness and humanity towards others.
I would very much love to have an e-book if you still have any to offer.
Melissa Thibodeau Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:01 pm
This was a great post. I really enjoyed it. I also believe in paying it forward and do every chance I get. When I do this, my mind doesn’t pay attention to the people around me who don’t but instead opens my eyes to those who do and I am delighted to see more and more people doing random acts of kindness every day…
Keep up the great posts (loved the previous post you wrote about what to do on those days where you just don’t feel productive at all… It only just occurred to me as I read it that on the days where I just couldn’t get excited about checking things off my list it was because I was bored by what I had to do :)
Cheers!
I don’t blog but I do micro blog on http://www.Twitter.com about 3 of my passions: digital marketing, volunteering and protecting the environment.
jay Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:02 pm
Love the blog, keep up the great work. I have yet to see a post not worth reading.
I’d be happy to pay it forward. Please send me an e-book if I’m in the top 30.
I’ve had a rough time with my neighbors recently and this should prove to be challenging and beneficial to me. Maybe I can make a bad situation into a better one.
Kevin X Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:04 pm
Leo you seem to inspire me more and more every day with your posts. I have been reading your posts for a while now and I would love to get a free eBook. You are really proving how kindness can make someone’s day so much better.
Today’s post reaches into the core of humanity in general and really makes people reconsider how we have lost the simple value of ‘kindness’. To think that in today’s advanced society how kindness is so rare to find. The Pay It Forward Campaign, the Free Hug Campaign, and every other random act of kindness in between are all examples of humankind coming together for a simple cause of ‘kindness’. I have already set goals for myself to commit to random acts of kindness at least once a week (preferably more) and will do my best.
Yanik Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:04 pm
Hi Leo,
I had a really crummy day today but reading your post lifted my spirits! Thanks!
I’d really appreciate a copy of your e-book and I’ll happily pay it forward.
Sending positive thoughts and energy to you and yours.
Peace
Yanik
esme Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:06 pm
I am a new reader and love your blog and your philosophy. If I qualify for an ebook, I promise to Pay it Forward (actually, even if I don’t quality….)
Dee Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:06 pm
Hi Leo,
I love your blog and would appreciate a copy of the ebook. I will definitely pass on the gift.
Thank you for the opportunity!
-Dee
jill Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:08 pm
I would love your e- book. I have been lurking awhile and I’m trying the habit changing techniques.I live in Los angeles and talk about rude. but I will be paying it forward with kindness, thank you for your wonderful blog keep up the good work.
jill
James Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:09 pm
Hi Leo,
I’d love a copy of the ebook. And I’ll definitely pass on a good favor to someone else–it’s something I try to do when I can anyway. (But who doesn’t need another reminder now and then?)
Kih Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:10 pm
heh … just discover your blog this week … and think about charity a lot lately … would be nice to get a copy of your ebook … and i will pay it forward by doing some nice thing to some nice people in Kuching. Thank you.
Ben Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:12 pm
I love your blog, and I would love a copy of the book. Thanks!
sonia Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:15 pm
I read your blog and really enjoy it. if it isn’t too late, i’d love a copy of your ebook and i’ll definitely try to spread a little more kindness in the world.
Dave Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:15 pm
Whether I make it in under 30 or not, doesn’t matter. Your blog and your writing have grown and I look forward to reading with each post. Keep up the good work and your wonderful faith (in us all).
Carole Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:16 pm
Fabulous idea. Would absolutely be thrilled with a copy of the e-book.
Will think about a creative yet impactful way to pay it forward.
Peace, love and chocolate
Carole
Scott Miller Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:16 pm
I promise to “pay it forward”, Leo!
I would love a copy of the e-book. I’m a huge fan of your writing. Thanks!
Scott M
Texas, USA
Mario Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:18 pm
I would certainly learn even more with a copy of your ebook!
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:19 pm
Hey Leo, I’m hopefully within the first 30, but I don’t need the ebook. I just want to say thank you for your kind offer though.
I’ll definitely pass the favour onwards. In fact kindness and compassion is something that I’ve been writing on in my own blog after a lot of thought. How do we become kind, and is it actually dangerous to become kind, as in - we make it worse?
Would love to know what you think:
First of a series: http://www.urbanmonk.net/179/compassion-and-finding-the-servant-heart/
Cheers,
Albert
Amy Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:19 pm
I so agree that the world is becoming a less friendly place. I try to do small things that will make someone else’s day a little better…buying coffee at McDonalds for the guy behind me, letting someone with only a handful of groceries go before me and my full cart… It’s always nice to see them smile and I hope they will in turn pay it forward. I too would love a copy of your ebook and look forward to reading it. Thanks you. Amy
Angie Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:20 pm
Your post is such an inspiration. I love to have a copy of your ebook and to pay it forward. Thanks!
Janna Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:21 pm
Hello! First of all, you live on Guam? That’s awesome! I was there on a school trip once when I was an exchange student over in Japan (boy, did I look funny, being a blonde white girl with a huge group of Japanese tourists…) and it is absolutely gorgeous! :)
Second, I would be most grateful if you linked to my blog (http://th1nk-p1nk.blogspot.com). I promise to begin paying people more compliments as part of my “paying it forward”. I’ve found that a simple compliment, even about something as simple as the pair of shoes I threw on that day, can really cheer me up. So, I hope to do that for more people. Spreading the happiness, you know?
Anyway, thank you so much for this inspirational post! Though I don’t agree with *everything* (i.e. the church thing, being that I’m an atheist, haha) I do like to see such optimism in others. It makes me more optimistic that way.
Keep doing what you’re doing, because you do an excellent job touching the lives of many readers every day,
Janna
Zack Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:22 pm
I love receiving inspiration in every one of your posts. I would love a copy of your ebook and promise to ‘pay it forward’
Leo Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:25 pm
Wow, what a wonderful group of people you all are! Thanks for the encouragement and positive comments. This is why I love blogging!
Everyone above this comment who asked for an ebook will get one. I’d like to give away more, but it would take up too much of my time … sorry to everybody else!
But even if you don’t get the free ebook, please consider paying it forward anyway.
A reminder: when you pay it forward to someone, ask that they pay it forward to someone else, and that they ask that person to pay it forward, indefinitely. This way, your act of kindness will have the maximum impact!
Becca Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:30 pm
Ohhh, I just missed it. :( I will definitely pay something forward, though. :)
Kevin X Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:30 pm
Thank you very much Leo and that extra kindness I noticed of beyond the 30-limit you had. It really is always those little things in life that make the human heart just melt in happiness. I promise I really will pay it forward and they will do it too and again and again!
Ibrahim Husain Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:47 pm
Hey Leo,
I just wanted to thank you for what you do every day. I read your blog every day, and I have to say, I read a lot of self development blogs, but somehow your writing style just gets through to me better. I have recently purchased the URL zencollegelife.com with the plan of putting many of these same ideas to practical use for the everyday college student. I am still working out the wordpress kinks, but I will have it up by January 1, 2008.
Anyways, thanks for everything you do! I will definitely pay it forward!
OprahsThings.com Says:
November 29th, 2007, 23:54 pm
This is a great article and I can’t wait to share it to my readers on my blog. I will add it this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration! Keep it up!
Steve French Says:
November 30th, 2007, 0:02 am
Well e-book or not, I love this post! Way to go Leo!
I’m going to find a way to pay-it-forward too!
Have a great day!
Amy Says:
November 30th, 2007, 0:23 am
I’ve already purchased a copy of Zen to Done and have focused on the first two steps. My small notebook is always with me and I’m getting a few key things done early in the day. Excellent, easy to implement ideas!
I’ll post something in my blog about paying it forward and link back!
Amy
Jesse Johnston Says:
November 30th, 2007, 0:28 am
Keep up the great work. Your blog is an inspiration in a world sorely lacking it. I find it very calming and centering. When I’m obsessing about some work problem or relationship issue, suddenly there’s a zen habits entry that makes me step back and realize what’s really important.
ebook or not, your entry today is just a great reminder of the value of extending kindness. No need to receive it before giving it either!
Thanks for your hard work.
Cheers,
Jesse
Mitch Says:
November 30th, 2007, 0:32 am
Hello there, same as Steve French, haven’t read gtd or ztd (yet) but I was very inspired by this post of you. (Yet Again)
I think the least habit I can implement is to generally smile at strangers, not that it could give them a nice day, but also it’ll be easier for me to make new contacts.
Btw. I don’t know how to thank you for this Blog. I’m reading your Feed almost from the very beginning, and it helped me changing my life a lot. Let’s say I got with your help from a C Student in life to an almost straight A. I especially like your 30-Days Challenge and getting up early. (Its now 5.31 in Germany)
Have a nice day everyone, cheers
brip blap Says:
November 30th, 2007, 0:33 am
Great post, great concept. I’m a longtime lurker on the site and I’m finally driven to comment on this post. I love the concept and while it’s a struggle sometimes to act kind in the face of so much negativity on a daily basis, I’m going to give it my best shot based on your inspiration. Thanks Leo.
t (click to support AIDS) Says:
November 30th, 2007, 0:35 am
A fantastic idea Leo! The question of how to nudge the world has been on my mind for ages, and here you are doing it.
Is anyone looking for a way to pay forwards? I used to run a fansite and we set up a fundraiser some time ago for Broadway Cares, an AIDS charity. Sadly we’re still far from the target and the bar hasn’t risen for sooo long. Would really give us some hope if you could spare a buck or twenty! http://support.broadwaycares.org/goto/jenniferehle
Miss Gisele B. Says:
November 30th, 2007, 1:15 am
WOW Leo!
You surely know how to get people to stop what they are doing, get to your blog, read your post and think of how your posts relates to their own lives.
I always check your blog before turning off my computer and usually wake up in the morning with the post in my head. Many of your posts have really had an incredibly positive impact on how I do things.
This is just another example of how much impact your voice has.
I’m sorry I’m not part of the first 30 people who will get your free e-book offer.
Best of luck to all those who did win!
As for your concept (or Oprah’s concept) of paying it forward…I think it is important.
It’s important to look around us and see how we can use what we have right now at our disposal to help others around us.
Since starting my publishing business, I’ve had to seriously cut back on my donations. I used to support a number of charitable organisations that support people who need food and shelter. One of my dearest charity with my public library because it offers free books and computer stations to people who cannot afford books and people who can not purchase a computer.
I’m had to stop my donation, but my new way of paying it forward is to take all my old books and magazines to the library near my home. They usually sell the donation to raise money to support other programs they organize.
It’s really a very small gesture compared to what I used to do…but it’s still makes me feel great.
I have other plans to pay it forward in a much more significant way and I’m expecting that my business will finance a charitable organization that will have for objective to help women in Africa with a serious problem. I will not go in details, but the project is already a “word document” on my computer…which means it’s only a question of time before this new project comes to life.
Once again Leo, thank you so much for bringing so many people from so many different countries together thanks to your way of seeing and questioning our world.
Gisele B.
Scott Stawarz Says:
November 30th, 2007, 1:16 am
As an act of kindness toward pay it forward to Leo, I recommend we all email Oprah with ways zenhabits.net and the life-hack blogger web movement has positively impacted our individual lives.
Great idea on the pay it forward. I’ve seen some recent TV commercials demonstrate this too. Although, it must not have been too catchy, because I can not recall the brand.
http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_reach_fromu.jhtml
P.S. I’d love for you to link to my site with simple weight loss as the anchor text, but of course, it’s not necessary. I’ve already submitted my suggestion to Oprah.
Brian F Says:
November 30th, 2007, 1:16 am
Great post Leo! I had an epiphany several years ago that our faith community wasn’t doing enough to reach out to our homeless population in S. Florida. We started giving away bag lunches and now we operate in four shelters. We’ve served over 20,000 meals in the past couple years. Since we’ve brought the homeless into our circles, it’s changed the “sophisticated” crowd to see how great these people really are that don’t have a place to live. Thanks for sharing your stories and I hope all of us will look at others and see them as we see ourselves, showing kindness with no duty of return. Thanks again for the refresher. :)
Eden Says:
November 30th, 2007, 1:28 am
I’m a new reader of your blog, but I like what I see so far. I would love a copy of the e-book! Thank you so much.
chris jefferies Says:
November 30th, 2007, 1:58 am
I know I’m too late for the ebook, but the idea that an act of kindness can spawn a snowball of kind acts is enough incentive for me! Thank you for the wonderful reading.
Thomas Says:
November 30th, 2007, 2:07 am
#58 or so, but anyway :)
It is related to today’s world. Some time before, there was some meaning of life (grow a tree, build a house, get a son,…), but that’s gone.
Modern world is made in such way, that common man has to work from dawn to dusk - people (managers) scream you, you’re constantly under stress,… and all that only because of few green papers, which you - unforunately - need. And you need plenty of them, just to survive.
It is filled with too much stress and no real meaning behind it.
It is world, where evil people wins, and good get’s nothing than suffering.
Also Church is not what it used to be - look’s like it openly joined those money and power-hunting groups.
There’re still good people that you can find between churchmans and believers, but those seems to disappear - and no wonder, this world is not for good people.
I see way for myself in managing money (no, you can’t give them up there, as you can’t give up air) in such way, that I won’t need to care about them - and where this happens, and I will by 50-60 by that time, I could finaly look for meaning of life and do thinks I really like - and be good.
To answer topic - no, I do no longer believe in humanity - we deserve to die out as mankind, and make place for another evolution (or God’s - up to you) creation to take it’s chance, for behaviour we announce as good (consumer society)
Thomas Says:
November 30th, 2007, 2:14 am
Re: Leo, November 29th, 2007, 23:25 pm
Idea is, that you pay forward to three other people - if it works, you get snowball :)
Susan Bernard Says:
November 30th, 2007, 2:23 am
I, too, believe in random acts of kindness. For 18 months, accompanied by a 90-year-old resident on the harmonica, I played the Autoharp for the people at my mother’s assisted living facility. My mother died on October 26th, and I’m too sad these days to play. But as soon as I feel like I can play again–without crying–I plan to return and share my music as a gift.
Tamlyn Says:
November 30th, 2007, 2:31 am
WOW what a great post, Leo. With this world evolving, and the great place the social networks online are playing in that, it is so wonderful to pay it forward to people you only know thanks to bits and bytes, but can care for as much as you care for your “real life” family and friends.
I am going to pay it forward, even though I was too late for the free ebook (teaches me to live in central european time *giggles*), but kudo’s to you for writing this. I am glad I found this blog
Robin Says:
November 30th, 2007, 3:05 am
Re anonymity and kindness. I’ve always been amazed at how absolutely horrible people can get on the internet. It’s the “jerk driver” phenomenon to the nth degree. You see it in forums, comments… People are rude and cruel in a way that would be shocking without the digital veil. It leaves everyone aprehensive they’ll get flamed for the most minor transgressions. I don’t get it.
Elishares Says:
November 30th, 2007, 3:20 am
Sharing is caring… “I promise to pay the gift forward with some act of kindness to another person (not a relative) in my community”. I would also like to have your e-book. Thank you.
Bill Says:
November 30th, 2007, 3:28 am
I have been a zenhabits reader for a few months now and had been considering getting the ZTD ebook for awhile– I may have been too late to get one for free today (I placed my order just a moment ago), but I’m glad to see such a positive topic and message in this post, and I’m glad that I subscribe to your feed.
Jamin Says:
November 30th, 2007, 3:57 am
I know I’m too late for the ebook, but I just wanted to say I really appreciated the post. I’ll do an act of kindness anyway, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want to do and it was entirely inspired by this post.
Russ Says:
November 30th, 2007, 4:05 am
It makes me feel good to see all these people who actually agree with what was just said. I may not see much kindness around me, even though I do my best to be courteous in driving (I feel horrible if I accidently forget to turn off my brights on someone), and in life in general, but it is nice to see that other people at least feel the same way. Juse seeing this, I have a greater hope for society rather than what I see on other websites, in the news, and in everyday life. Thank you, Leo and readers.
Angela (Cottage Magpie) Says:
November 30th, 2007, 4:27 am
I know I’m not within the fist 30 commenters, but I hope you’ll consider me for a free e-book anyway. I have it on my wish list for Christmas because I want to use the information in it to help simplify and organize my life so that I can make room in my life to devote some time to helping make/find/raisE/acquire teddy bears to donate to the police, which they give to children in traumatic situations like domestic violence where they often can’t remove the child from the situation. Sincerely,
~Angela
rn-elizabeth Says:
November 30th, 2007, 4:40 am
I posted what random acts of kindness I’ve done, have been granted to me and what I will do. Heck I’ll do them anyway, even if you don’t give me your book.
~elizabeth
Sascha Says:
November 30th, 2007, 4:50 am
I love the concept of Pay it Forward. I’d love a copy of your ebook, but I think PIF is the way to go even without it.
I’m moving house soon, and your site has helped me get myself organised enough that it’s no longer a huge, daunting task. Thank you so much!
Ivan Says:
November 30th, 2007, 5:03 am
Great post, Leo! Thank you for the inspiration!
I believe that even - or especially - small things can change the world. Perhaps not the big wide world, but my world and my attitude. We just have to do it! So I wrote a posting (in German) in my blog with 7 ideas to change yourself and your world. In this posting I also commit myself to do three things today:
- I take time to listen really to 2 persons and to try to understand them fully.
- I will give a smile to 5 strangers.
- This evening I will thank my god for everything he gives me. I just want to be grateful.
These are small steps but one has to take them!
Diane B Says:
November 30th, 2007, 5:14 am
Ohmigosh!! I obviously didn’t come close to being in the running for your book, however, your thoughts are an inspiration and I just wanted to let you know.
I also have noticed our seemingly self-imposed segregations. The catalysts you noted in your article are slowly forcing each and every one of us into our own personally insulated “bubble”.
PIF is a lovely concept. I personally try to a least reach out and “touch” another person outside my circle every day. It is small things: holding a door, looking someone in the eye and smiling, whatever…it makes a difference.
And the best part of it all is that my teeny PIF comes directly back to me because it makes me feel better, too. Thank you for the encouragement.
Micah Rich Says:
November 30th, 2007, 5:38 am
Dear Leo,
I just recently started reading your blog, and I think it’s ironic that I find this post so soon after I start. I’m a design student, and we’re all required to do a senior thesis in our last year here. My thoughts have been going in this exact direction for a long time now, and so I gathered two of my colleagues together to see how we could make our thesis project an agent of change, to make our world a better place.
This is exactly what we’re working on doing, and I absolutely love that I’m constantly finding people who think these wonderful, beautiful thoughts. At the moment, we’re really just starting to organize our thoughts, and while we have big plans to help our fellow students and change the world, we still have to convince our teachers and classmates that our idea is a good one before we can start using it to do something. I’ve put a link to our future website at the bottom, and even though right now it’s just a link to an email address, in the future I hope that at the very least, we’ll have a blog documenting ideas and happenings that are in this vein.
I’m really glad that I’ve found some likeminded people, and maybe we can pull some inspiration and ideas from you and your readers.
Love,
Micah
thepositiveengine.com
Sean Says:
November 30th, 2007, 5:42 am
I promise to pay the gift forward with some act of kindness to another person in my community.
I will ask for the ebook in the chance that it will be sent. I can always use knowledge and growth in my life.
Thank you for your blog
Alfredo Says:
November 30th, 2007, 6:55 am
Leo,
I’d like to get a copy of your book, if possible.
Even if I don’t, I’ll do my part to make someone’s day a little better today, by doing some extra act of kindness, because I try every day to help others, as life is not easy, and even a smile is a great reward for me.
BTW, I found out about your site a couple of months ago, and I’ve been a fan since then.
Alex Ion Says:
November 30th, 2007, 7:17 am
First thing I did after reading this article was to submit it to StumbleUpon so that other can see and benefit.
Not sure if I’m in the first30 to get an ebook, but it was great to read it.
Thanks Leo.
elizabeth Says:
November 30th, 2007, 7:31 am
Mr., Babauta,
It’s 5:30 in the morning here. I’ve had my morning shower and done a short t’ai chi form. Now I’m drinking a cup of decaf, checking my email, and reading your blog. I leave in half an hour to go to work as an elementary school teacher. I see from the post that I’ll be comment #77. I will and do pay-it-forward every day, no rewards. Here’s a little pay-it-backwards…thank you for writing your uplifting blog.
Jefri Says:
November 30th, 2007, 7:53 am
Hi, Im jefri and im im in the top 30 i would like an ebook.
Mark Says:
November 30th, 2007, 8:30 am
Leo ~
Just wanted to mention, don’t forget paying it forward towards ALL CREATURES.
We just rescued four puppies and an older female dog here on our small island.
All were in terrible shape and within the past week they have been sent to the US to be adopted through Roses Rescue.
Mark
Jeniffer Says:
November 30th, 2007, 8:33 am
Leo;
Another great post, and a truly wonderful idea. Let’s keep this one going around.
Do some act of kindness today and every day.
I truly believe this will make our world a better place, and make us all nicer people.
Dan L Says:
November 30th, 2007, 8:56 am
I guess I’m way too late on the ebook, huh? Anyway Leo, I truly do appreciate your articles and wish more people like you existed; the world would be a better place.
I certainly will do something to pay it forward–I’ve been meaning to help out at a local food kitchen for some time now and this may just be the extra push I need to get over there and do it.
Thank you for these articles.
Dan
Laur Says:
November 30th, 2007, 9:14 am
I’d just like to thank you for the great post. My parents brought me up believing that there is good in each and every one of us, and I try to live my life accordingly.
As for random acts of kindness, I don’t know… kind is something you are, not something you do. If you’re kind, you’ll do acts of kindess maybe daily, and you won’t notice, because it’s in your nature - certainly you won’t brag about it to your friends or whatnot. Accepting this simple truth and trying to be just kind towards your fellow men might do more good long-term than donating 100 bucks towards fighting poverty in Africa today and then forgetting the whole thing.
Cheers.
Dominic Says:
November 30th, 2007, 9:29 am
Good post, and one that surely deserves some consideration these days. Well, any days I suppose, but these days stand out because they’re the days in which I’m living.
I’d just like to make a comment about the idea of “Pay it Forward”. I’ve been hearing a resurgence of this idea this week, but it seems like most people using the phrase seem to think that it originated either with Oprah or Mimi Leder’s movie, without realizing that the origin of the concept of “Pay it Forward” predated either of those by several decades with legendary science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein.
I first discovered and have since been practicing “pay it forward” since the mid 80s when I first read Heinlein’s work. Wikipedia tells us that Heinlein coined the phrase in 1951 in his book “Between Planets”. (To be fair, apparently Ben Franklin practiced something like this, but never put the name to it).
Not only did Heinlein write about “Pay it Forward”, but he practiced it, as he would often make gifts of money or other types of support to struggling young writers with instructions for them to pay it forward when they could.
Heinlein’s work was visionary not only for its futurist perspective, but also for its sense of life and sociological impact. So, since this would have been hi 100th year if he yet lived, I think it’s important to recognize his contribution to our language and thinking.
Thanks for the blog.
Tim Says:
November 30th, 2007, 9:33 am
Recently a person driving a truck saw a small child walking and did not stop to help for fear that he would be labeled a child molester. It did not turn out well for the child.
A short while ago, a woman where I work changed her appearance. I would have told her how nice it makes her look but comments (even compliments) can be misconstrued.
We do need random acts of kindness and I realize that there are a number of bad things that happen in this world but until we can change the litigious nature of our society, I am afraid that we are stuck in our current environment.
Leo, I enjoy your commentary but maybe you can explore this in a future post. All great philosophies tell you to change yourself and that will change the world around us but we still see all of the problems mentioned in the above posts. Are we just seeing the “bad” because it is “news” or is our intolerance really on the rise?
Just a random thought.
--Deb Says:
November 30th, 2007, 9:38 am
Great post. It’s amazing how far a little kindness goes, isn’t it? And, the bit about the cars? So true. In fact, I wrote about that last month, if you’re interested:
http://punctualityrules.com/2007/10/18/were-all-travelling-together/
Amit Says:
November 30th, 2007, 9:45 am
Darn ! i guess i missed the e book …. I do not have enough money to buy leo’s book right now …I come from a third world country…. But one day i hope to buy it ….. Hope the price remains the same…. i am saving for it …
Anyway, This doesn’t stop me from promising leo that i’ll PF all the good things happening to me…. I promise to make the world around me a better and happier place…..
I have faith in humanity….
Joshua Says:
November 30th, 2007, 9:47 am
Some people still do the old-fashioned barn raisings–just in a different way. In my church family, we get together to put a new roof onto one another’s house whenever one is needed. It’s generally a fun Saturday job where we all work together and save the homeowner some serious money.
I’d love to have a copy of ZTD, too!
christyann Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:07 am
I’d love a copy of your ebook….I go out of my way to be nice to people that don’t look happy…I will start with the small stuff like a smile the hello it may take a while before they even smile back…before you know it they are talking to me…my neighbors on either side of me are examaples..it took 3 years before they actually come and talk but little things like removing the snow from their sidewalk or or asking if they needed help doing something finally let them see I didn’t want anything from them just to be friendly…I also do the simple stuff like open doors help people all the time etc…I love to do it too..
Renato Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:08 am
Your post is Godsend. Keep up the good work. You just gave me today another good reason to keep on believing in humanity. I live in Venezuela, and we are a divided nation due to political opinions. Now you can see families, neighbors and friends divided by their political beliefs. This post has helped me realize we need to start a change and come all together, as it used to be.
Thanks!
Pete Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:10 am
Nice post and great Ben Franklin quote.
Modern civilization has been designed to bring people down. Divide and conquer. Manipulate people by their vices. Remove their belief in themselves and those around them. Unfortunately we’re painfully malleable.
But do I have faith in humanity? Yes I certainly do.
James Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:17 am
Probably too late to the game as I’ve been busy tending to my sick wife (just a short bought of Bronchitis) and taking care of the kiddos…but, I’d absolutely love a copy of your ebook.
Ram Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:18 am
Hey Leo,
Great post, you’ve been a great encouragement to me in many ways and I’d like keep this(post) in mind and try to pay it forward and help the world around me. I do beleive in Humanity.
Thanks.
Katie Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:26 am
This was one of the most inspiring posts I’ve read in a long time, and it touches on something I’ve been struggling to overcome in my own life.
Thank you.
Rae Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:34 am
That was a great blog. Quite a few years ago, someone I didn’t really know very well gave me $100 (quite a lot of money then) that I needed for a trip. He wasn’t particularly well to do and I needed the money for a camping trip, not for food or something urgent. But he just gave it to me, no strings, and I’ve paid it forward on several occasions. It’s good for the universe, you get what you give.
Chris Em, send me your blog. I’m (ahem) over 60 and would like to follow your adventures.
Leigh Ann Says:
November 30th, 2007, 10:35 am
I’m noticing more people are for less organized religion. My study group tends to go by what the bible says, not what the church officials say. and we question when they are different. We have a little group of people from literally all walks of life (two ex-felons, one pastor, one pastor in training, one liberal intellectual, one conservative,