“Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
- Scott Adams
Though most humans claim to be non-judgmental, seldom are they what they claim. It’s human nature to judge, and judge in a way that he/she experiences at the first go. Hence an adage such as “first impression is the last impression” has ever lasted. Now the question that arises is what these random acts of kindness are and how they generate a positive stereotype? And how would these acts generate imitation?
I generally keep my own experience as a last option, to post here, but I didn’t find anything more compelling than it to make my point. This incident dates back to last summer when I and a friend were on a vacation, in a different state. Being new to the town and having no knowledge about the transport system, we decided to ask a couple about how to get to a particular location. They not only gave us clear directions but also offered us a ride to that place and a drop back to our hotel, if wished to. Though I and my friend declined their offer, their kind gesture certainly made us happy. One of the conclusions we drew was, people from this state are so kind. (The climate & culture varies sharply in the US, from state to state). This act had left a deep impression on my mind and I wanted to emulate it with someone. Life gave me an opportunity nearly 9 months later, to fulfill my desire. While I was riding back home, a couple, which was new to Bangalore asked me for directions to a particular location, at a traffic light. Though I gave them the directions, I could read the confusion on their faces. So, I asked them to follow me, and ensured they reached their destination. When they realized I rode in a totally opposite direction, just to make it easy for them, they were deeply impressed with my gesture. They asked me for my details and days later added me on a social networking site. I also got a thank you note from them. It feels equally good to be a beneficiary as well as a benefactor involving random acts of kindness.
Though you could be strangers, yet people may view you as an ambassador of your country, state, city, family, culture, values per se. If everyone viewed such instances in life as a good opportunity to spread a positive feeling, the world would be a better place to live in. They say, people helping people, is what life all about, isn't it?
