Kindness of Strangers

Kindness of Strangers

Janpha Thadphoothon

I am writing this blog post on a very simple and mundane, yet one of the most sought-after human qualities in the history of human civilization. It may sound as though I am a moralist, and that this is a moral lesson. I must admit that I am writing this to save myself and those I care about from becoming too self-centered and from losing compassion toward our neighbors or even strangers.

Recently, there have been a few news stories that have shaken my psyche regarding the sanity of humankind. The news has it that the former U.S. president, Donald Trump, cut international aid and cooperation, a decision that might have affected millions of people in need. "How could you do it?" I keep asking myself. It is my personal belief that such actions reflect a deep crisis in human values.

Another example is what has been happening along the Thai borders. The Thai authorities, citing security reasons, cut off electricity, Internet access, and gas supplies, affecting millions—both Thais and ethnic minorities living in the border areas. I am sure you would agree with me that decisions like these, while perhaps justified on certain grounds, should be handled with compassion and a sense of responsibility toward those who will suffer as a result.

As we know, every religion teaches us to be kind, helpful, and to look after the weak. The Buddha and Jesus Christ preached similar doctrines—that we should be kind toward others, even when they are strangers. What we all know and agree upon is that kindness is a fundamental human value that holds societies together. But are we practicing it? That is the real question.

I like the idea of a world where people extend kindness to those in need, not just within their own families or communities but to complete strangers. They say that one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect, influencing people far beyond what we can imagine. I somehow think that in our fast-paced, self-centered world, we often forget this simple yet powerful truth.

Experts say that societies thrive when there is a culture of generosity and mutual assistance. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that communities with strong social bonds and collective compassion tend to have lower crime rates, greater happiness, and higher levels of trust among their people. It is well known that acts of kindness not only benefit the receiver but also bring a deep sense of fulfillment to the giver.

I know you would agree with me that kindness is not just an individual trait but a societal necessity. When governments and institutions neglect this aspect, society as a whole suffers. The decisions of world leaders impact millions, and while policies and national interests must be considered, they should never come at the cost of human dignity and compassion.

History has it that in times of crisis, it is often ordinary people who step up to show kindness. We have seen countless examples—strangers helping each other during natural disasters, people opening their homes to refugees, and volunteers providing aid in conflict zones. These acts restore our faith in humanity. My conviction is that even when political decisions seem heartless, individuals can still make a difference.

I think the problem lies in the increasing focus on self-interest. People say that we live in a highly individualistic era, where personal success often overshadows collective well-being. Nevertheless, it is my belief that true success lies in the ability to uplift others. I guess it is easy to ignore suffering when it does not affect us directly, but that does not mean it ceases to exist.

In my opinion, we should cultivate a culture of kindness, starting with small everyday actions. A smile, a helping hand, or simply being there for someone in distress can make a world of difference. I somehow think that schools should emphasize teaching empathy as much as they teach academic subjects. After all, what good is intelligence without compassion?

I must admit that I, too, sometimes become so absorbed in my own worries that I forget to extend kindness to others. But when I do, I feel a profound sense of purpose. They say that happiness is not found in material possessions but in meaningful connections with others. I like the idea of a world where kindness is the norm rather than the exception.

What we all know and agree upon is that life is unpredictable. One day, we may be the ones in need of a stranger’s kindness. My conviction is that if we make kindness a habit, it will come back to us when we least expect it. As we know, the world is a better place when we choose to be kind.

if anything, I, like many others, call for a human-kindness approach to world problems. In policy-making, in daily interactions, and in the way we see each other, let us choose kindness. I am sure you would agree with me that in the end, it is kindness—not power, wealth, or status—that defines our humanity.

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.