After a late morning constitutional walk, we went for lunch at "The Bull and Dog" in the peaceful village of Freiston. See above.
We left via the COVID exit door and in the little outdoor seating area where I guess smokers often huddle, I spotted a circular sign on the wall. As I have said before, I am not a fan of platitudinous sloganeering but on this occasion I was stopped in my tracks, considering the validity of the claim. And you know I agreed with it. What use is cleverness or wise words or keen insight into the nature of human existence if you do not show kindness in your everyday life? Would you agree that kindness is at the very core of what it means to be civilised? To be wise?
This makes good sense. One of the complements I got when I retired was that I am very kind. I appreciated that comment and will never forget it.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that your kind nature comes across in your comments Red.
DeleteIt's at least a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteWithout kindness can there be wisdom?
Delete"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." -Mark Twain.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy and so hard at the same time, but I agree, it's important.
Mark Twain said or wrote some very wise things.
DeleteYou certainly showed me kindness in your reply yesterday. Thanks for kissing my bewilderment better.
ReplyDeleteNot sure whether kindness is a form of "wisdom". I believe it a character trait. Something bred in the bone rather than acquired (like wisdom).
What I have learnt over my lifetime (increasingly in shock that I have fewer years in front of me than behind) that those who PRIDE themselves on being kind are, potentially, the least kind. Kindness needs to come from the heart - in an unselfconscious way; not a "look at me - ain't I kind" way.
Apropos of nothing: A couple of weeks ago the Angel brought home the souvenir of all souvenirs. A sheep's skull he found on a two day hike in The Mountains/Wales. It has pride of place in the lounge. All upper teeth intact (lower jaw, obviously, missing) are black - the latter a source of wonderment for me.
U
The Angel must be a very kind young man. After all, all mothers dream of a grinning sheep's skull on the mantelpiece. Kindness without intelligence is different from well-considered acts of kindness.
DeleteJust small gestures of kindness can mean such a lot to people and are rarely forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteMY Mum used to say 'A little kindness goes a long way' and I agree with her. There's not enough in the world at the moment.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Your mum was right. That is a true saying.
DeleteOur three school rules are, "Be kind, be kind, be kind"!
ReplyDeleteKindness is something we could use a lot more of these days.
ReplyDeleteIt's a profound statement. Its true and it will probably have many layers if I just sit with it...
ReplyDelete"Free beer tomorrow" is another pub sign.
ReplyDeleteI've always lived by the motto "If you can't say or do anything good, dont say or do anything at all".
ReplyDeleteWho defines what is "good", Addy?
DeleteThere are times when we have nothing "good" (as in "affirmative" (aiding and abetting) to say because all there is to say that it's NOT good. How do we change bad for better if by not going on the barricades? To hold our tongue and the "peace", and do NOTHING, is precisely what governments, past and present, and the bigoted are hoping for. And that's just politics.
In the private sphere? Yes, sometimes it's best to not voice what we think. Yet, to avoid conflict at all cost may make for unhappy lives (not just yours - that of others too). What we need is integrity. Even if uncomfortable at times.
Enough, otherwise YP will sit me in the corner, face to wall, and make me write, after school hours, "I shall not lecture other people" at least one hundred times.
U
I love your blog, it is gorgeous!! I saw you on Crafty Cat's Corner.
ReplyDeleteWithout kindness everything else is useless.
ReplyDeleteDid you avail yourselves of the Merlot and Rioja they had so wisely provided?
ReplyDeleteKindness is somethjing our Prime Minister (in New Zealand) is very keen on.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that the greatest gift you can give another person or animal is respect. If you truly respect someone, I believe that kindness will automatically follow.
ReplyDelete