how to make the world a kinder place essay introduction

6 Simple Ways We Can All Make the World a Kinder Place

We all dream of a kinder, more peaceful world, but the truth is most people don’t believe it’s even possible. It’s hard to imagine a world like that when the one we’re in now is full of war, inequality, and injustice.

It may seem impossible, but with a collective effort, we can create a world that is loving, kinder, and benefits everyone . It just takes small actions from each individual.

So what kind of steps can you take? Check out the list below to get some insight into how you can help create a kinder world now.

Give someone a smile

In today’s crazy non-stop world we are constantly distracted. Things like social media, technology, and feelings of missing out cause us to stay stuck on autopilot. This makes it hard to be aware of your surroundings let alone other people.

That’s why we should slow down connect with each other in person. Something as simple as a smile can make this easier. Smiling is contagious and makes us all feel good.

When someone smiles at you, you automatically want to smile back. A smile shows a person that they deserve kindness and develops an automatic connection that wouldn’t be possible if we were staring at our phones.

Respect others

Lack of respect is a huge contributing factor to how people respond to each other. From personal relationships to international relationships, respect is a necessary component for any successful interaction.

Respecting others means treating each other as equals. It means understanding that people have different perspectives and experiences. It means being non-judgmental.

We all deserve respect, so why not give someone the gift of being treated fairly and as an equal?

Focus on the positives

The world is full of negativity; at least that’s what you might believe if you ever watch the news or talk to other people. When you watch most news you get nothing but stories of war, the latest health scare, and dire statistics. Now, think about your conversations with other people. How many of us complain about life on a regular basis? We’re all guilty of it . We complain about work, about our relationships, and everything in between.

There’s just so much negativity clouding things sometimes it gets hard to see the light, but the reality is there are just as many positive things going on in the world.

It’s all about where our focus lies. Yes, there are heartbreaking stories going on in the world, but there are just as many heartwarming stories of love, perseverance, and unity. Instead of living in fear and hysteria, why don’t we choose to focus on the good stuff and do what we can to make a positive impact?

Realize we are all humans

Many of us believe in the illusion that we are separate and different. Things like racism and prejudice stem from this belief. It’s sad to think that something like the color of a person’s skin can give the impression of being inadequate.

When you realize this is just an illusion you will see that we are all the same. We all need air. We all need water. We all want love, security, and the opportunity to improve our lives.

Yes, we may have different religious beliefs or live in different countries, but we all want and need the same basic things. Once you start looking at life from this vantage point the world immediately becomes kinder .

Focus on yourself

When I think of the time people dedicate to focusing on things outside of their control , I am astonished. We focus on things like celebrity gossip to or who said what on Twitter.

Instead of wasting time worrying about what other people are doing, why don’t we take a step back and focus on what we can control? Ourselves.

You can only control what you do as an individual. You cannot control the thoughts, feelings, or actions of others . So when you start taking control of yourself can control the way you react, the way you treat others, and the things that give your life meaning.

This, in turn, teaches others to take control of their lives as well. When we all do this we can create a world that is full of respect and harmony.

Be understanding

Humans have a long history of persecuting individuals for their beliefs, status, race, or actions. The violence and judgment behind these things are born from ignorance. Ignorance by definition is the lack of knowledge or information.

This lack of knowledge and awareness is the root of so many problems. If we take the time to understand each other we can look at the world through compassionate eyes.

Everyone cannot fit inside the same box, and that is what makes life so beautiful. It’s the variety of it all that adds depth and magic to life.

So you see, making the world a kinder place doesn’t have to be a far-fetched impossible goal. It just takes a small consistent effort from everyone. You can start spreading the message now with our Kindness Cards .

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Writing an essay

Making the world a kinder place essay

World kindness day is celebrated on 13 November every year to promote the importance of kindness in our communities and the world.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, it can be easy to lose sight of the power of a kind gesture or word.

However, it is important to understand that small acts of kindness can make a big impact and have the potential to change someone’s day, or even their life.

In fact, research has shown that being kind not only makes the recipient happy, but also improves our own well-being and mental health.

One of the main reasons why we should strive to make the world a kinder place is because kindness is contagious.

When we are kind to others, not only do we make them feel good, but we also inspire them to pay it forward and spread kindness to others.

This creates a positive domino effect that can have a ripple effect on our society.

Imagine a world where everyone goes out of their way to do something kind for someone else – it would create a harmonious and compassionate community where individuals feel valued and supported.

Moreover, kindness helps to break down barriers and bring people from different backgrounds together. In a world that is becoming increasingly divided, small acts of kindness can help bridge the gaps and promote understanding and empathy.

It allows us to see each other as fellow human beings, rather than focusing on our differences.

This can lead to a more inclusive and tolerant society, where everyone is treated with kindness and respect regardless of their race, religion, or social status.

Additionally, kindness has the power to heal and bring hope to those who are struggling.

In times of hardship or tragedy, a kind gesture or word can provide a glimmer of light and remind people that they are not alone. It can also inspire them to keep going and have faith in humanity.

With so much negativity and suffering in the world, acts of kindness can give people the strength and courage to persevere and overcome their challenges.

Furthermore, kindness can also benefit our physical health.

It has been proven that performing acts of kindness can boost our immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, and even lower blood pressure.

When we are kind, our body releases a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone,’ which promotes feelings of trust and connection.

So, not only does kindness make us feel good emotionally, but it also has a positive impact on our physical well-being.

In conclusion, it is evident that making the world a kinder place is crucial for the betterment of society as a whole.

Kindness has the power to create a positive ripple effect, promote inclusivity and understanding, bring hope to those in need, and even improve our own well-being.

Therefore, on this World Kindness Day, let us all make a conscious effort to spread kindness in our communities and beyond.

As the Dalai Lama said, ‘Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.’

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13 Ways to Change the World

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Direct Relief and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA . Direct Relief is an award-winning humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. They focus on helping people affected by emergencies and natural disasters. Direct Relief has been highly rated by Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at University of Pennsylvania, for their effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 926,491 times.

The world may be big, but even small changes can make a major difference! Adopting a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle, being kind, and staying positive are key to changing the world around you. Wondering where to start? We've got it covered! Keep reading for tips to improving the planet, from the local to the global.

Things You Should Know

• Volunteer with an organization that's meaningful to you.
• Donate to charities that help people or animals in need.
• Vote and get involved in local politics.
• Minimize your waste and reduce your carbon footprint.

Be kind to others.

Be an animal advocate..

• Encourage and vote for legislation that protects animals.
• Only buy products that do not contribute to animal abuse.
• Donate to charities which help animals, such as the Humane Society, The Marine Mammal Center, or the Performing Animal Welfare Society.

Take action in your own life to protect the environment. "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

Donate menstrual products.

• Not having access to menstrual products leads to humiliation and isolation at best, and at worst discomfort and even life-threatening infections.
• By donating items and money to charities that work to solve this problem, you'll be keeping menstruating people healthy and help them to do things like attend school and work so that they get the opportunity to better their own lives.
• There are lots of organizations that help get menstrual products to people who need them and educate young people about menstruation, including Period and Days for Girls .

Donate to charities you believe in.

• Short on cash? You don't necessarily have to donate money. Some nonprofits accept educational materials, clothing, or other supplies. Call or email to ask what they need.
• You could also volunteer or be part of fundraising efforts for charities that do good abroad. Run a half marathon or other fundraiser to raise funds for an international charity of your choice.

Be an ethical consumer.

• Fair trade items will almost always be labeled as such. If you're unsure if something is fair trade, try to at least avoid items that are often unethically sourced. Coffee, bananas, cocoa, many tropical fruits, wine (mainly from California), clothing items (mainly from China, Bangladesh, and SE Asia) and jewelry are often unethically sourced.
• By buying these products as much as possible, you can show companies that you think these practices are worth a few extra pennies and encourage other companies to invest in these practices as well.

• Tutoring disadvantaged kids, working at a local soup kitchen, or volunteering with a charity like Habitat for Humanity are just a few ways you can make a difference in your town.
• Besides the obvious benefits of donating your time and energy to a cause you believe in, volunteering has been associated with improved physical and mental health and lower levels of loneliness. [4] X Research source

Be civically engaged.

• In the United States, only about 50% to 60% of eligible voters actually vote during the presidential election, and 35% to 40% vote in midterm elections. [5] X Research source
• Imagine the changes people might enact if 90% of people voted during presidential elections and 60% of people voted during midterms!

Invest in small businesses.

• Because small businesses often have lower overhead costs than bigger businesses, you’ll likely get a higher return on your investment—more importantly, the small business will get what it needs to contribute to that economy and community. [6] X Research source
• This is an especially good way to help women and other vulnerable groups to support themselves.

Promote awareness of important issues.

Be positive.

• This can be small things like making someone a birthday present, or big things like driving someone around until they get their car fixed. When we work together, everything runs more smoothly and we're better able to further invest those gains in benefiting the rest of the globe.

Get to know your neighbors.

• Introducing yourself to your neighbors , chatting with them when you see them, or even inviting them over for a neighborhood gathering can increase morale in your community. Bonus: it'll make you feel great, too!

Minimize waste.

• You can get an idea of how big your carbon footprint is by using the EPA’s carbon footprint calculator .
• Not littering, and cleaning up trash that you do find, even if someone else dropped it
• Reducing the waste you produce and composting
• Conserving water and growing some of your own food
• Cutting down on your electricity usage (or buying and installing solar panels for your home, if you’re able) [10] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
• Switching to public transit, a bike, or an electric vehicle
• Not buying more food than you can eat
• Buying used clothing instead of new clothes

Become an organ donor.

• You don't have to stop at becoming an organ donor: you can also sign up to donate blood . Every 2 seconds, someone in the country needs a blood transfusion. [12] X Trustworthy Source Red Cross Blood Donation Services Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely Go to source Check out the Red Cross's website to find out where to donate blood in your area.

Community Q&A

Tips from our Readers

• Smile at a stranger. It may sound simple, but one of the best things you can do is spread happiness. Smiling has been proven to make the person doing it happier, so when you smile and someone smiles back, you just made yourself and another a little bit happier!
• Donate blood, platelets, or plasma! By doing this, you can save lives. If you're apprehensive or afraid of needles, remember that it only pinches for a second, and that one little pinch can result in up to three lives being saved.
• Helping animals may not seem important to many people, but it actually is important to take good care of them because they may not be able to take care of themselves, which causes an imbalance in the world's ecosystems.
• Be kind everyday! A small act of kindness can change the whole world. It will change how you look at other people and how others see you!
• Share this article on your social media platforms so that more and more people participate in making the world a better place.
• Always research organizations you want to help or donate to. Some organizations, even if they're "real" charities, still spend almost none of the donated money on actually helping people. Use tools like Charity Watch and the BBB to get more information on an organization. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about humanitarian aid, check out our in-depth interview with Direct Relief .

• ↑ https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/protect-wildlife.html
• ↑ https://hr.uw.edu/cfd/2023/06/27/menstrual-equity/
• ↑ https://www.fairtradecertified.org/why-fair-trade
• ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
• ↑ https://fairvote.org/resources/voter-turnout/
• ↑ https://fastercapital.com/content/Reasons-to-Invest-in-Small-Businesses.html
• ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/08/15/facts-about-neighbors-in-u-s/
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-singlehood/202006/know-your-neighbor-especially-now
• ↑ https://www.derby.ac.uk/blog/seven-top-tips-reduce-environmental-impact/
• ↑ https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/10/f37/Energy_Saver_Guide-2017-en.pdf
• ↑ https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up/why
• ↑ https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/blood-donation-importance.html

About This Article

To make the world a better place, start with small changes close to home like volunteering with a local charity, buying products that are made or grown locally, and voting in community elections. To make a global impact, donate to trustworthy international charities, buy fair trade certified products, and take measures to protect the environment, such as conserving energy, reducing waste, and composting organic waste. To learn how to make monetary investments that are globally positive, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Power of Compassion: Making the World a Kinder Place.

Table of contents, the impact of compassion on mental health and well-being, how compassion can foster stronger relationships and connections, the role of compassion in creating positive social change, cultivating compassion: strategies for developing a more compassionate mindset.

The Power of Compassion: Making the World a Kinder Place .

Compassion is a powerful force that has the ability to transform not only the lives of individuals, but also the world as a whole. It is a quality that is often undervalued in today's fast-paced and competitive society, but its impact on mental health and well-being cannot be overstated. In this section, we will explore the profound effects of compassion on our mental health and how it can contribute to creating a kinder and more empathetic world.

At its core, compassion is the ability to understand and empathize with the suffering of others. It is a deep sense of concern and care for the well-being of others, and it goes beyond simply feeling sorry for someone. When we practice compassion, we are able to connect with others on a deeper level, recognizing their pain and offering support and understanding.

Research has shown that compassion has numerous benefits for our mental health and well-being. When we show compassion towards others, it activates the reward centers in our brain, releasing feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine. These hormones not only make us feel happier and more fulfilled, but they also have a positive impact on our physical health, reducing stress and boosting our immune system.

Furthermore, practicing compassion has been linked to increased levels of self-esteem and self-worth. When we extend kindness and understanding to others, we also develop a greater sense of our own value and worthiness. This can have a profound impact on our mental health, as it helps to counteract negative self-talk and self-criticism.

Compassion also plays a crucial role in building and maintaining healthy relationships. When we approach others with compassion, we create an environment of trust and understanding. This fosters deeper connections and allows for open and honest communication. In turn, this can lead to greater satisfaction in our relationships and a sense of belonging and connection.

In addition to its individual benefits, compassion has the power to create a kinder and more empathetic world. When we practice compassion, we inspire others to do the same. It creates a ripple effect, spreading kindness and understanding throughout our communities and beyond. This can lead to a more harmonious and inclusive society, where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

However, it is important to note that compassion is not always easy. In a world that often values individual success and achievement above all else, it can be challenging to prioritize the needs of others. It requires us to step outside of our own experiences and perspectives and truly listen and understand the experiences of others. It requires us to be vulnerable and open-hearted, even in the face of pain and suffering.

But the rewards of compassion far outweigh the challenges. By practicing compassion, we not only improve our own mental health and well-being, but we also contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic world. We have the power to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.

In conclusion, compassion has a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. It has the ability to make us happier, more fulfilled, and more connected to others. By practicing compassion, we not only improve our own lives, but we also contribute to creating a kinder and more empathetic world. So let us embrace the power of compassion and work together to make the world a kinder place.

At its core, compassion is the ability to understand and empathize with the suffering of others. It is the willingness to extend a helping hand, to offer support and comfort to those in need. When we approach our relationships with compassion, we create a safe space for others to be vulnerable and open up about their struggles. This vulnerability, in turn, strengthens the bond between individuals, fostering a sense of trust and understanding.

Compassion allows us to see beyond our own needs and desires, and instead focus on the well-being of others. It encourages us to listen actively, to be present in the moment, and to truly understand the experiences and emotions of those around us. By doing so, we validate their feelings and let them know that they are not alone in their struggles. This validation can be incredibly powerful, as it helps individuals feel seen and heard, and ultimately strengthens the connection between them.

In addition to fostering stronger relationships, compassion also has the ability to create a ripple effect. When we show compassion to others, it inspires them to do the same. It creates a chain reaction of kindness and empathy, spreading positivity and making the world a better place. This ripple effect can extend far beyond our immediate relationships, reaching communities and even entire societies.

Compassion also plays a crucial role in conflict resolution and reconciliation. When we approach conflicts with compassion, we are more likely to seek understanding and find common ground. Instead of focusing on blame and resentment, we can shift our perspective and try to see the situation from the other person's point of view. This empathy allows us to find solutions that are mutually beneficial and promotes a sense of harmony and unity.

Furthermore, compassion has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Research has found that individuals who practice compassion regularly experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. It also boosts the immune system and promotes overall well-being. By cultivating compassion in our relationships, we not only improve the lives of others but also enhance our own mental and physical health.

In conclusion, compassion is a powerful force that has the ability to transform our relationships and make the world a kinder place. By approaching our interactions with empathy and understanding, we create stronger connections and foster a sense of trust and support. Compassion also has the potential to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to show kindness and empathy. It plays a crucial role in conflict resolution and reconciliation, promoting harmony and unity. Moreover, compassion has numerous health benefits, improving both our own well-being and the well-being of those around us. So let us embrace compassion and make a conscious effort to spread kindness and empathy, for it is through these acts that we can truly make a difference in the world.

Compassion is a powerful force that has the potential to transform the world into a kinder and more empathetic place. It plays a crucial role in creating positive social change by fostering understanding, promoting equality, and inspiring acts of kindness.

At its core, compassion is the ability to recognize and empathize with the suffering of others. It is the willingness to extend a helping hand and offer support to those in need. When we approach the world with compassion, we are able to see beyond our own experiences and connect with the struggles and challenges faced by others.

Compassion is not just a passive emotion; it is a call to action. It compels us to take steps towards alleviating suffering and promoting social justice. By recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, compassion challenges us to work towards creating a more equitable society.

One of the ways in which compassion can create positive social change is by fostering understanding. When we approach others with compassion, we are more likely to listen to their stories, perspectives, and experiences. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the issues they face and the barriers they encounter. By actively listening and seeking to understand, we can break down stereotypes and prejudices, promoting a more inclusive and accepting society.

Compassion also plays a crucial role in promoting equality. When we recognize the suffering and injustice faced by marginalized communities, we are compelled to take action to address these inequalities. Compassion drives us to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It pushes us to challenge systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Acts of kindness inspired by compassion have the power to create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and inspiring others to do the same. When we witness acts of compassion, we are reminded of the goodness that exists in the world. This can motivate us to engage in our own acts of kindness, creating a cycle of compassion that has the potential to transform communities and societies.

Compassion is not limited to individual actions; it can also drive collective efforts towards social change. When individuals come together with a shared sense of compassion, they can create powerful movements that challenge the status quo and advocate for systemic change. History has shown us the power of compassion in driving social movements, from the civil rights movement to the fight for gender equality. These movements have brought about significant change by mobilizing individuals who are driven by a shared sense of compassion and a desire for a more just and compassionate world.

In conclusion, compassion plays a vital role in creating positive social change. It fosters understanding, promotes equality, and inspires acts of kindness. By approaching the world with compassion, we can work towards creating a more empathetic and inclusive society. Let us harness the power of compassion to make the world a kinder place for all.

Compassion is a powerful force that has the ability to transform not only individuals but also the world around us. It is the ability to understand and empathize with the suffering of others, and to take action to alleviate that suffering. In a world that often seems filled with negativity and division, cultivating compassion is more important than ever. By developing a more compassionate mindset, we can make the world a kinder and more harmonious place.

One strategy for developing a more compassionate mindset is to practice empathy. Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and truly understand their perspective and emotions. By actively listening and seeking to understand others, we can develop a deeper sense of empathy. This can be done through engaging in meaningful conversations, reading books or articles that explore different perspectives, or even participating in empathy-building exercises. By practicing empathy, we can begin to see the world through the eyes of others and develop a greater sense of compassion.

Another strategy for cultivating compassion is to practice self-compassion. It is important to remember that compassion starts from within. We must first be kind and understanding towards ourselves before we can extend that kindness to others. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same care and understanding that we would offer to a loved one. This can be done by practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and being mindful of our own needs. By cultivating self-compassion, we can develop a greater capacity for compassion towards others.

A third strategy for developing a more compassionate mindset is to practice gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion towards others. Gratitude can be practiced through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things we are grateful for. By cultivating gratitude, we can shift our focus from negativity to positivity and develop a more compassionate outlook on life.

In addition to these strategies, it is important to remember that compassion is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. Like any skill, it requires practice and effort. It is important to be patient with ourselves and to recognize that developing a compassionate mindset is a lifelong journey. By consistently practicing empathy, self-compassion, and gratitude, we can gradually cultivate a more compassionate mindset and make a positive impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, cultivating compassion is essential for making the world a kinder and more harmonious place. By practicing empathy, self-compassion, and gratitude, we can develop a more compassionate mindset. It is important to remember that compassion is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. By consistently practicing these strategies, we can make a positive impact on the world and create a more compassionate society. Let us embrace the power of compassion and work together to make the world a kinder place.

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Great, their dad and I said. Get a job, save up your money — enough for a car, insurance and repairs — and you’ll have what you want.

And that’s just what they did, one at an organic gelato shop and the other at a restaurant.

While the paychecks that led to the cars were the “reward” for their hard work, there was a much-bigger reward — an understanding of what it’s like to work face-to-face with people for minimum wage. An understanding of human psychology without having to pay for a pricey college textbook or take a class.

Let’s just say it was an enlightening if not exactly an always happy experience.

Oh, they enjoyed their bosses and their coworkers, and they loved their paychecks and what it allowed them to buy. But dealing with the public? That was hard, and that was many years before the coronavirus pandemic, when everyone is stressed and eager to have a sense of normalcy, and thus losing their patience, often refusing to wear masks and screaming at minimum-wage workers who ever-so-politely have to remind them that it’s store policy and, I dunno, a general kindness.

It’s not hard, really, to think about others and not just yourself as we all try to make our way through the biggest health and economic crisis this generation has ever experienced. We’re all in this together, right?

Evidently not.

And so I recently found myself thinking about their experiences in the service industry as well as my own so many years ago for a few reasons.

When I wrote about dining out during a pandemic , I went to Bunglaow 44 in Mill Valley, a restaurant I frequented before the pandemic and one that I saw was doing all the right things when it came to the early days of outside dining. I dined incognito until it was time to pay the check, when I told my server why I was there and asked her how it’s been for her.

Challenging, she said, which is what my kids said and what I knew firsthand when it comes to working with the public. And for minimum wage, which is not enough to afford to rent a room — let alone an apartment — anywhere in Marin.

It was her boss, Bungalow’s co-owner Peter Schumacher, who posted a quote from the late Anthony Bourdain on Facebook that gave me pause:

“You can always tell when a person has worked in a restaurant. There’s an empathy that can only be cultivated by those who’ve stood between a hungry mouth and a $28 pork chop, a special understanding of the way a bunch of motley misfits can be a family. Service industry work develops the ‘soft skills’ recruiters talk about on LinkedIn — discipline, promptness, the ability to absorb criticism, and most important, how to read people like a book. The work is thankless and fun and messy, and the world would be a kinder place if more people tried it. With all due respect to my former professors, I’ve long believed I gained more knowledge in kitchens, bars, and dining rooms than any college could even hold.”

That was true for me when I dropped out of college to follow a boyfriend to Colorado, and worked a string of minimum-wage service industry jobs. I was treated poorly, as if I were ignorant — I was not — and not worthy of any sort of dignity, which I am. All of us are.

My kids experienced the same.

You cannot work with the public and come away without loving people — the ones you work with, that is, who are indeed like family and who work hard for not much. You learn that some of them work two or three jobs just to survive, but don’t complain.

You also cannot work with the public and come away without hating people. It’s where you see the worst of people, the entitlement and rudeness, and experience being treated poorly by the very people who depend on us. Isn’t that ironic?

What this pandemic has revealed is that the people we often think so little of, the ones who stock the shelves and ring up our groceries or deliver them or wait on us and clean up after us, the ones most likely to get COVID-19 and die from it, are essential workers, as much as the health-care workers and firefighters and others who work hard to keep us safe and healthy, but for a heck of a lot less money and benefits.

They may not have gone to college or finished college, but they are doing work we actually need done. How can we not treat them kindly?

As Jeff Burkhart, aka Barfly, recently wrote , we might be at a time when those who provide service finally have the upper hand. They can demand things, like customers wear masks, and perhaps even respect. Anyone who is putting their life and the lives of their loved ones on the line so the public can live comfortably deserves that.

If Marin parents are looking for ways to teach their kids to be empathetic adults, maybe they should stop worrying so much about college and help them find a minimum-wage job servicing the public. As Bourdain wrote, “the world would be a kinder place if more people tried it.”

And if there’s anything the world needs more of right now, it’s kindness.

Vicki Larson’s opinion column So It Goes runs every other week. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at OMG Chronicles .

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11 ways to make the world a kinder place

For World Kindness Day, we bring you 11 ways you can show some kindness… and maybe feel better too.

World Kindness Day, which takes place every year on November 13, is a celebration of the ties that bind our communities together. Thousands of tiny acts of kindness turning from ripples into waves and spreading hope and goodness around the world. You can join the celebration by pledging to do one kind thing today.

“I do believe that kindness is the most important thing that we have, as human beings, to make everybody’s life better,” says David Jamilly, founder of the non-profit Kindness UK.

“Kindness is a positive value that encompasses a lot of other values like compassion, altruism, empathy, sympathy.

“We’re in a very, very challenged world at the moment and the only way that we can work together and communicate together, find solutions together, have community together, is through kindness.”

But the more surprising thing is that in being kind, we are not just helping others, we are healing ourselves. Numerous studies have shown that people who carry out more acts of kindness feel better themselves.

In an 2020 survey by the Mental Health Foundation , 63 per cent of UK adults agreed that when other people are kind to them it had a positive impact on their mental health. The same proportion said the reverse – being kind to other people had a positive impact on their own mental health.

Mental health campaigner and novelist Matt Haig says kindness can offer “a way out” if you’re dealing with depression or anxiety.

“Mental illness, through no fault of our own, very often makes you self-absorbed. It sends you inward. There’s a therapeutic, healing effect of caring. It’s this paradox: often behaviour we see as selfless, is actually in a very deep sense self-serving. It’s actually good for us,” he explains.

“Self-care is actually caring for others, they’re not opposites. And I really, genuinely believe that it’s good for our brain chemistry, it’s good for our lives and our relationships. And it’s good for the world we live in.”

To help you and your community, The Big Issue has brought together 11 suggestions for how you can celebrate World Kindness Day 2021. Because, as Aesop wrote in The Lion and the Mouse, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Engage your empathy online

We live in a culture that is all too quick to judge people, often without really knowing the full context of their actions. Before you share your righteous hot take on Twitter, Haig suggests a few questions you might want to ask yourself first: “Why am I talking about this? Am I trying to make the world better? Or am I just venting? Am I performing a little bit? Is there a better way to affect change than targeting individuals?”

Give to a local food bank

In the wake of the £20 government cut to universal credit, foodbanks are struggling to keep up with demand. Recently, Sabine Goodwin, coordinator for the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), told us that low supplies have forced a number of independent food banks – which often have fewer resources and less funding than larger projects – to reduce the size of the parcels they distribute.

You can donate food staples, toiletries and other essentials, or you can even set up a direct debit to make a regular cash donation. Find a food bank near you and the kind of items you can donate with The Big Issue’s guide .

Give a dog a bone (or a kitty some kibble)

Animals need kindness too. Across Britain, the RSPCA and SSPCA look after thousands of abused, abandoned, neglected or unwanted animals. Many centres run Amazon Wish Lists, so in just a few clicks you could send some nourishment and comfort to a good doggo, or purring pussy cat. 

You don’t even need to get out of your pyjamas. In Scotland, the SSPCA has a handy directory of all the local lists . If you’d like to donate in England or Wales, you can find out how by searching for your local RSPCA rescue centre .

Donate your old furniture

Furniture poverty is on the rise in the UK. The campaign group End Furniture Poverty estimates that 4.8 million people are living without at least one essential appliance and only two per cent of social housing comes furnished.

So the next time you’re updating the look of your home, why not give your old furniture a new life by donating it to someone in need? As a bonus, it’s also more environmentally friendly than sticking it in the dump. Read how you can get donating here . 

Even a fake smile releases endorphins and serotonin, which elevate your mood and act as natural painkillers, so slapping on a grin is a good way to make yourself feel better. But it can also be a really easy act of kindness. Smiling is contagious, so when you smile at someone, there’s a good chance they’ll reciprocate. Then they can enjoy all the lovely brain chemicals too.

Leave a legacy

The benefits of kindness don’t rely on you knowing the recipient. One of the most Earth-shaking ways you can be kind right now is to pledge to donate your organs to someone else when you die.

The Big Issue spoke to organ donation campaigner Jim Lynskey before he sadly died while waiting for a heart transplant. He said there is a terrible shortage of donated organs. 

“I’ve known a patient to be on the urgent list for seven months, sat in hospital, being kept alive by external pumps and other apparatus. It speaks volumes that on an urgent waiting list, it’s a seven-month wait at times. It’s just shocking.”

Find out about being an organ donor here . And remember – it’s vital that you tell your family and friends about your wishes.

Phone someone you love

Stop and think for a minute. Who could use a phone call? Not a text, an honest-to-god phone call. If you know someone who might be feeling lonely right now, be the one to pick up the phone.

Write a positive comment

The internet is full of negative comments. Let’s change that. Next time you see a stellar social media post or read a well-written article, let the person know! Together we can create a kinder online experience.

Volunteer your time

If you’re lucky enough to have some free time, volunteering to help others is a rewarding, and kind, thing to do. On World Kindness Day, make a plan for how you could help this Christmas. Volunteering is a great way to get physical exercise boost your wellbeing, make friends and developing new skills. 

Support your local Big Issue vendor

Big Issue vendors are out in all weather, bringing you an award-winning magazine and earning an income. When you’re heading to work, or going round the shops, take a moment to stop, say hello and buy a magazine.

Or if you don’t have a vendor near you, you can buy this week’s magazine from the online shop or take out a subscription to make sure we can continue to support our vendors over this difficult period. You can even link your subscription to a chosen vendor with our online map .

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself

This isn’t a selfish aim. “If you are good to your body and your mind, then you are much more likely to be to have some spare capacity to throw out,” said Jamilly. “If you are kind to yourself, it’s much easier to do things for others.”

It might be taking time for a breathing exercise, going for a run, or making yourself a nice warm hot chocolate. Whatever recharges your batteries to face another day.

Support the Big Issue

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5 Easy Ways to Make the World a Kinder Place

Nov 30, 2017 | Blog , Minority and Community Health , Nursing Stress Management

The modern holiday season has become more of a mad dash from November though the new year. There are so many school plays to see, cookies to bake, family and friends to visit, shopping to do, packages to ship. With all that added to a normally jammed work and life schedule, the holidays become a blurred jumble to get thorough rather than enjoy.

Here are five easy ways to make your holiday season a little nicer, a little kinder, and a lot more satisfying.

1. Give What You Can

Part of the reason giving is so satisfying is because it requires you to share something valuable to you with someone else. If you have money to give, buy some extra presents for kids who might not get much. Spend some of your extra on gift cards to grocery stores and drop them off at a local food pantry. If you have extra goods in your home (unused sweaters, coats, blankets) find places that need those items and drop them off.

2. Spend Your Time

If you don’t have much extra money, spend your time in ways that are equally valuable. Take an afternoon to visit with shut-ins in your town. Bake some homemade goodies to share with neighbors or a senior center. Volunteer your nursing know how to teach a group of kids about health and wellness. Walk some dogs at the pet shelter. Knit baby caps or pack up hurricane relief boxes for areas hard hit this year. The world needs a lot of things right now and time is in short supply. Give some of yours and watch what an impact it has.

3. Work Hard to Spread Cheer

Hustle and bustle doesn’t always make for happy people. The lines in stores, the traffic on the roads, and the time spent on extra errands can make even the most even-keeled person cranky. But a lot of cranky people make everything that much worse. Make an effort to be the person who is kinder than the next. Feed the birds. Hold the door open for someone. Let the person with two items go ahead of you in line. Chat with someone sitting next to you at a community event or a professional gathering. When you are kinder, it spreads to others.

4. Reflect Alone and Together

Take time to think about what the season means to you. Dig deep and uncover what will make the season more joyful and more joy-filled. Do you want to hear more music or do you need silence? Do you need to be around people or do you need a day to yourself? What purpose do you want to fulfill in the new year? Find others who have similar thoughts about this time of year and spend some time talking and hearing each other. Then move into the next month with intention and a vision for making the season better for you.

5. Connect with Others

Connect face-to-face with people you care about or with people you have lost touch with. It’s easy to lose connections in today’s online environment, but the real joys of something as simple as a cup of coffee with a friend can soothe your soul. Reach out to others. Heal old wounds or repair the relationships worth fixing (don’t even consider wasting your time on the ones that aren’t). Recognize that we all carry our own burdens and that together they may be lessened.

How will you make the world a kinder place this year?

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“Don’t wait for people to be friendly. Show them how.” ~Unknown

Sometimes I stop to think about how in the world I ended up where I have. I started off with very little, and somehow along the way I have ended up generally happy and on my own two feet.

My adolescence up to my early twenties had its share of dark days. Whether or not we are lucky enough to have a small handful of people that stick by us no matter what, more often than not we can find ourselves feeling incredibly lonely.

For a long time through my rough days, I held a sort of grudge against the rest of the world. I had convinced myself that everyone was only looking out for themselves, and I had lost faith in the idea that people were mostly good.

Where was that feeling of community? Or helping out your neighbors? What about equality and accepting others’ differences?

The world felt large, dark, and lonely. I felt very let down.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that as much as those close to me have influenced my growth and my life, those I consider strangers have made just as strong an impact. By closing out the rest of the world, I was really hindering my growth and happiness . Let me explain.

I had an accident a few years back, and unfortunately, I was far from home and by myself when the incident occurred.

Many strangers witnessed the accident and casually passed by. Two people who could have just as easily done the same, leaving the accident for someone else to take care of, chose to step in and come to my aide.

They had no obligation to help, and in fact, had places to be. Instead, they stopped to help me, waited until the paramedics arrived, helped to contact someone I knew, and confirmed that I would be okay.

I was shocked that people who didn’t even know my name were spending so much time taking precautions to ensure my safety.

My world was jolted—and I kind of liked it.

This was the first instance of many that changed how I live my day-to-day life.

A complete stranger went out of their way to do good for me, and in return, I would do the same for others.

I opened myself to the idea that maybe not all people were selfish and maybe they were all, in fact, just like me: feeling alone, caught up and looking desperately for that one person to prove them wrong.

It took a while and a lot of courage, but I began to step outside my comfort zone and behave how I always wished others would. I spoke to strangers on the train and in long lines, made friends in waiting rooms, and more. I listened to their stories, even if they didn’t give me a chance to respond.

I have stopped to check on strangers who looked unwell, offered directions when someone looked lost, given advice, returned and watched strangers’ belongings, and made frustrated parents’ children stop crying by making silly faces or cracking not-so-funny jokes.

Once, while studying in a coffee shop, I heard the chaos of a car accident outside and saw an elderly man, looking distraught, alone, and waiting for the police to aid him. Remembering how alone I was and the help I had received during my own trauma, I grabbed a drink from the shop, delivered it to him, and ensured he was being tended to before returning to my work.

Each encounter I have made has had a different influence, a different story, a different result— some small, some large, and some that I cannot measure or know. Each has made my day, and hopefully, theirs, a happier one.

The bigger picture fell into a place for me a couple of years ago. I greeted a homeless man who was down and out and who I would run into frequently. I stopped briefly to listen to a joke he said he had written.

As I laughed and turned to head back on my way, he stopped and said, “Thank you for listening. I have been wanting to share that with someone for a long time. Have a good day on purpose!”

That was it right there. “Have a good day on purpose.” On purpose.  

Acting with goodness will bring goodness. Each day you wake up, you have a choice to make. You can either go on through your day, your routines, as you always do, or you can choose to broaden your world.

Opening myself up to these so-called strangers with a positive point of view, open mind, and a helping hand has changed my perspective on life a trillion times over.

Rather than waiting for and expecting others to prove me wrong, I began to take initiative and found that what I was looking for all along was always there. I just needed to pull myself out from the negative space I was in in order to see it.

I have seen the good come back around to me in so many ways.

From that first pair of strangers who helped me through a scary accident, to people approaching me with compliments, and even some offering a smile on days when I could not bear to carry my own.

I have had those who barely know me take a chance on me, trust me, and even lay themselves on the line to help me advance my career. Just recently, a woman gifted me a handmade scarf she was selling because she noticed I was shaking in the cold.

None of these people knew me when we reached out to support and pass positive energy to one another. Some became friends ; many I will remember for a long time; all I am lucky to have encountered, whether or not I can pinpoint why.

Making the first move to talk to or help a stranger can be difficult at first, and I will be the first to admit that it won’t always be received how you expect.

Start with by smiling, holding the door open, offering a genuine compliment, or cracking a joke in passing.

The experience is jarring to some as, sadly, kindness is not an action most expect. Just know that no matter what the outcome, you have done something to trigger a positive thought and perhaps make a difference in that person.

All of a sudden, I realized I didn’t feel so alone. I felt a deeper understanding and connection to those around me. All of a sudden the world is not so large, dark, void, and scary.

Photo by oh_pretty_love

About Edit Danilian

Edit Danilian is a teacher living in California. She is a passionate, forever student, who believes in humor, love and has a mouth with less than perfect timing. You can follow her on twitter @ DaniandB .

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Help your kid make the world better

Who doesn’t want their kids to make the world a better place? And children want to make the world better. Inspire them to step up to the challenge with these practical, positive, and powerful ideas from Nat Geo Family.

Make the world better—with kindness

Children who are kind feel better about themselves and often generate the same positive feelings in those around them. But they don’t necessarily get there on their own. Kids need positive role models (ie, you!) as well as practice. Check out these simple ideas that will bring out the kindness in your kid. With kindness comes gratitude. Teach your kids the importance of being thankful .

Make the world better—with art

Sure, art can make you feel good—whether you’re creating it or looking at it. But keeping art in kids’ lives also helps them understand different perspectives, making them more open to new ideas that can help the world. Keep them inspired by art with these ideas . Create for plastic-free crafts . Cooking is also an art! Bring children’s creativity into the kitchen—and some goodness to the dinner table—with these kid-friendly recipes .

Make the world better—with activism

The best way to make the world a better place? Change what isn’t working! Grow kids’ confidence by getting them involved in issues they care about, and show them that even the smallest efforts can make a big difference. Take a look at these inspiring ways to get involved and promote real change . They might even save the Earth . Keep all these ideas—plus others—in one easy-to-grab place with this free mini-book (pdf). It’s packed with ways kids can truly make the world better.

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Making The World A Kinder Place Essay

- Last updated on Dec 17, 2023

Making The World A Kinder Place Essay: In a world that often seems chaotic and divided, the need for kindness has never been more pressing. We frequently begin lying to one another when we become engrossed in the negativities of this life. We gripe about everything and believe that life is meaningless or that the world is a terrible place to live. Stress, anxiety, and sadness are eventually brought on by all of these bad ideas. The only thing we need to focus on is how to improve and create a more pleasant environment for ourselves in this planet, which is not as horrible as many of us may believe. Here are some suggestions for improving, pacifying, and perfecting the earth.

The Power of Kindness

Kindness is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. It has the power to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and create a sense of unity among diverse communities. In our fast-paced lives, taking a moment to extend a kind gesture or offer support can have a ripple effect, influencing others to do the same.

Cultivating Compassion in Everyday Life

To make the world a kinder place, we must first cultivate compassion in our daily lives. This involves being mindful of our interactions with others, understanding their perspectives, and choosing empathy over judgment. Simple acts such as actively listening, offering a helping hand, or expressing gratitude can contribute significantly to creating a more compassionate world.

Acts of Kindness: From Small to Significant

Kindness comes in various forms, from small, everyday gestures to more significant acts that can make a lasting impact. Holding the door for someone, offering a genuine compliment, or volunteering at a local community center are examples of small acts that contribute to a positive and compassionate environment. On a larger scale, supporting charitable organizations, participating in community projects, and advocating for social justice issues are ways to make a meaningful difference.

The Domino Effect of Kindness

One of the remarkable aspects of kindness is its domino effect. When individuals experience kindness, they are more likely to pass it on to others. This creates a chain reaction, fostering a culture of compassion that can extend far beyond individual interactions. By consciously choosing kindness, we contribute to a collective effort to make the world a better place.

Also Read This :   Lachit Borphukan Essay In English

Overcoming Challenges with Kindness

In the face of adversity and challenges, kindness becomes a powerful tool for resilience and healing. Whether it’s offering support to someone going through a difficult time or promoting understanding in the midst of conflicts, choosing kindness can help build bridges and foster a sense of unity in our communities.

Teaching Kindness to Future Generations

To create a lasting impact, it is crucial to instill the value of kindness in future generations. Educators, parents, and community leaders play a vital role in teaching empathy, compassion, and the importance of making a positive difference in the world. By incorporating kindness into educational curricula and leading by example, we can shape a more compassionate and harmonious world for generations to come.

making the world a kinder place essay is a collective responsibility that starts with individual choices. By recognizing the power of kindness, cultivating compassion in our daily lives, and embracing the ripple effect of positive actions, we can contribute to creating a more empathetic and connected world. Let us strive to be the catalysts for change, inspiring others to join in the journey towards a kinder and more harmonious global community.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Worldview — How to Make the World a Better Place

How to Make The World a Better Place

• Categories: Society Worldview

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Words: 1599 |

Updated: 22 November, 2023

Words: 1599 | Pages: 4 | 8 min read

Table of contents

Addressing the scourge of racism, human trafficking: an invisible crisis, global warming and environmental threats, video version.

Works Cited

• Amnesty International. (n.d.). Racial discrimination.
• Anti-Slavery International. (n.d.). Labor trafficking.
• Bartlett, L. (2019). Racial discrimination: Then and now. United Nations Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/RacialDiscriminationThenNow.aspx
• Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Climate change impacts.
• Global Slavery Index. (2020). Global findings. Retrieved from https://www.globalslaveryindex.org/2020/findings/global-findings/
• Human Rights Watch. (n.d.). Combating racial discrimination.
• International Labor Organization. (n.d.). Forced labor.
• Markey, P. M. (2019). Racial discrimination: Impact and response. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 395-421.
• The United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced inequalities.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (n.d.). What is climate change? Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-convention/what-is-the-united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change

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How to Make the World a Better Place Essay

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Topic: The Role of Education for A Better and Fairer Future

“Real education enhances the dignity of a human being and increases his or her self-respect. If only the real sense of education could be realized by each individual and carried forward in every field of human activity, the world will be so much a better place to live in.” D.R A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Much has been written about education, its importance and how the current system of education is not helping us get anywhere. So, to talk about this matter of significant value we need to understand what it truly means. Education is a process that doesn’t only facilitate learning, but above all focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and skills hoping, to change our beliefs and habits for the better.

The world we live in has no shortage of problems. These problems are complex, pervasive, and affect all of us. We all have legitimate ambitions for a happier, fairer and more humane life. Addressing these issues represents a major challenge that calls upon the active and collaborative effort of all sectors of society and a clear awareness of the central role of education.

Since the beginning of the history of man itself, the role of education has been unclear and in times like ours, its function has remained ambiguous. See when we talk about education we mainly observe that there are people divided on what it means. Some who believe that knowledge is more important while others who would argue that No, learning is the more important one. Engaged in these futile arguments we forget that we’re only seeing one side of the story, one piece of the puzzle. Education requires a perfect balance of both, learning and knowledge. A mix of the rigid and the flexible, the rigidity of concrete fact and the flexibility of creative imagination. A Yin and Yang if I would say. In fights like these, we have yet again proved the impossible (in a sinister way that is) we’ve managed to divide ourselves on another level.

These arguments have arisen over the current education system, dividing us into two groups, the people who support it, mainly teachers and the people who are against it, the students. We, as students need to realize the importance of time management for coping with huge amounts of portion and the parents and teachers should not pressure the students so much. And above all we all need to realize that true learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom.

Riddle me this, if we didn’t argue as much as we do and try to convince the other side to see the sense in ours, but instead put in an effort in working together, realizing that we all have our differences, but united on the simple fact that we’re all human, where do you think we would be right now?

Making the World a Better Place

Every individual’s life is influenced by the choices they make. When we’re concerned about matters like food, survival, shelter and other resources we’re making the most basic choices ever. Education helps us to make better choices. Education is a constructive way to provide answers to the questions we look for. It fulfills our curiosity, helping us learn. Consequently, we have a deeper understanding of the world around us than we did before. This deep understanding enables us to dive deeper, to be fearless and to ask questions that have never been asked before. That is the single, most fundamental reason we make progress.

I mean, think about it, we live in the most revolutionary period of man. Why? It’s mainly because education and facts are available to a large section of our society. When we look back at the history of man, we realize something We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?

In the long run, standards of living are determined by productivity. Without education, people are limited to poorly paid manual labor or even subsistence agriculture. Just to work in a modern factory today, you must be literate and numerate. Even agriculture today requires understanding which seed varieties to choose and how and when to apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Furthermore, education is vital to understanding important life decisions such as understanding the importance of family planning and human life we all share. Sure, there are a lot of problems, but we can solve them, together.

We must understand that the importance of education cannot be measured. Its value is unmatchable. Without it stems from ignorance, frustration, anger, and demise. With it, solutions, alternatives, and new ideas can be brought forth to further improve the evolution of mankind. With each generation, we are taking one step forward in a direction that will further address world issues such as environmental awareness, famine, disease, and war. Education can help immensely in achieving this seemingly utopian future. From hunters and gatherers to people who can theorize how the universe works, building a peaceful, efficient, and growing species is all based on the evolution of our education. There is no purpose nobler than putting mind over matter and using our brain for the betterment of everyone.

Moreover, when we get educated we influence others in our life, directly or indirectly. We all know a man is a social being and craves the approval of her/his fellow beings. This has developed a sort of herd mentality and while it is true that we should “break the mold” and nothing ever good came from the following someone, we need to be aware what that mold is and how to break it. That and so much more can be achieved by education. It is our saving grace, which will lead us all to a brighter and bolder future.

And if history is any indicator, our present has been influenced by the choices of the past. And despite all its problems, modern society has hope and potential to grow.

So, let’s not squander this opportunity given to us by our forefathers and make a change in our demeanor for the better. One thing that we must do and do well is balance societal goals (curing diseases, building things, world peace, etc.) with the pursuit of material wealth. We need both; but, of course, traditionally people are too concerned with the latter. We need to create a society where we will be able to achieve this balance. For only then will we truly understand the importance of education because it isn’t a big fat paycheck or a promotion you get from your senior, it’s more than that.

Education is our passport for tomorrow, a better tomorrow.

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A Moment With Franca

A Family, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

Making The World A Kinder Place: 6 Simple Acts Of Kindness

amomentwithfranca · 23 December 2019 · 6 Comments

Making The World A Kinder Place: What are your New Year’s resolutions? To take better care of yourself? To make more time for friends and family? Well, what about pledging to make the world a kinder place? Injecting a little more kindness into the world can seem like a mammoth task. We all get so wrapped up in our frantic, busy lives that we forget the impact that a small, random act of kindness can achieve. If everyone took a couple of minutes every day to do something for someone else, wouldn’t the world be a much better place?

Table of Contents

Pledging to include acts of kindness into your daily life in 2020, is a great promise that is easy to keep and accomplish. Looking for a little inspiration? Check out these 6 acts of kindness.

Organise a beach clean

We all want to do more to protect our oceans and make our beaches nicer places to visit . So, organising a beach clean is a simple and straightforward act that you can either complete yourself or get others involved in. You can print out flyers – you’ll find Epson printer ink at printerinks.com – or create a Facebook group and invite as many people as you can. Not only will the beach look better, but you’ll help protect wildlife and feel great too!

Ok, ok so it sounds little daunting. But if you’re planning on building on your fitness and health in the New Year, then it makes absolute sense to combine your health with kindness. Check out local events that are running throughout the year, and you can decide if you want to run, jog or even walk . Raising as much money as you can for a good cause is a wonderfully selfless thing to do and so many people will benefit from your effort.

Give a stranger a compliment

When you pay someone a compliment, it’s enough to brighten their day and lift their spirits. Whether it’s something subtle such as saying that you like their jacket or that you like their hair, if someone is having a really rough day, then your kind words could be enough to make them smile again. You might never know the impact and power that your compliment has made. But that’s part of the magic of it.

Bring in treats

We all work hard, and sometimes the lack of gratitude we get for a hard day’s work is enough to discourage and dishearten the best of us . So, why not show your appreciation for your co-workers? Bringing in some sweet treats for everyone to enjoy will certainly brighten up the mood in the office.

You may see someone struggling with a pram and a flight of stairs, an elderly person struggling to cross the road or someone struggling to find the right change at the till. It costs nothing to help someone who really needs it.

Whether you choose to donate to families in need over Christmas, or you donate food, old clothes, shoes and toys all the year-round when you regularly donate you’ll know that you’re making a real difference to people here and even abroad.

Have you done any of the above acts before? Do you have your own tips for making the world a kinder place?

*Disclosure: Paid Collaboration

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

Reader Interactions

4 January 2020 at

I always say that giving makes me happier than receiving – I loved watching The Secret Millionaire programme and wished I could give away thousands and watch as I make people happy. But your ideas are fab Franca – and it felt great over Christmas to do some bag packing for a local charity to help raise funds for the breast cancer charity near me. I want to do more of that in 2020!

17 January 2020 at

I’ve thought and done most of these things except for organising a beach. Living in the city you don’t think of the sea much. But it’s important to look after our planet and nature and I believe this to be a fantastic idea to think of and do in 2020!

Yes I agree too, we need to take more care of our planet this year 🙂

3 March 2020 at

Love this! I’m all for acts of kindness. I try to do at least one kind thing a day for someone else 😀

There’s something amazing about being on the receiving end of an act of kindness which makes me smile for days. Kindness costs nothing, but means everything 🙂

20 August 2020 at

The tips in this post would mean a lot for you to make the world a kinder place with this 6 simple acts of kindness. This would be a huge help. Thanks for sharing this great article.

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Introduction to the Holocaust

• Invasion of the Soviet Union, June 1941
• Gay Men under the Nazi Regime
• Paragraph 175 and the Nazi Campaign against Homosexuality
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• Antisemitism
• How Many People did the Nazis Murder?
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The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators. The Holocaust was an evolving process that took place throughout Europe between 1933 and 1945.

Antisemitism was at the foundation of the Holocaust. Antisemitism, the hatred of or prejudice against Jews, was a basic tenet of Nazi ideology. This prejudice was also widespread throughout Europe.

Nazi Germany’s persecution of Jews evolved and became increasingly more radical between 1933 and 1945. This radicalization culminated in the mass murder of six million Jews.

During World War II, Nazi Germany and its allies and collaborators killed nearly two out of every three European Jews using deadly living conditions, brutal mistreatment, mass shootings and gassings, and specially designed killing centers.

• Final Solution
• Third Reich
• World War II

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The Holocaust (1933–1945) was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators. 1 In addition to perpetrating the Holocaust, Nazi Germany also persecuted and murdered millions of other victims .  

What was the Holocaust? 

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum defines the years of the Holocaust as 1933–1945. The Holocaust era began in January 1933 when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power in Germany. It ended in May 1945, when the Allied Powers defeated Nazi Germany in World War II. The Holocaust is also sometimes referred to as “the Shoah,” the Hebrew word for “catastrophe.”

By the end of the Holocaust, the Nazi German regime and their allies and collaborators had murdered six million European Jews. 

Why did the Nazis target Jews?

The Nazis targeted Jews because the Nazis were radically antisemitic. This means that they were prejudiced against and hated Jews. In fact, antisemitism was a basic tenet of their ideology and at the foundation of their worldview. 

The Nazis falsely accused Jews of causing Germany’s social, economic, political, and cultural problems. In particular, they blamed them for Germany’s defeat in World War I (1914–1918). Some Germans were receptive to these Nazi claims. Anger over the loss of the war and the economic and political crises that followed contributed to increasing antisemitism in German society. The instability of Germany under the Weimar Republic (1918–1933), the fear of communism , and the economic shocks of the Great Depression also made many Germans more open to Nazi ideas, including antisemitism.

However, the Nazis did not invent antisemitism. Antisemitism is an old and widespread prejudice that has taken many forms throughout history. In Europe, it dates back to ancient times. In the Middle Ages (500–1400), prejudices against Jews were primarily based in early Christian belief and thought, particularly the myth that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Suspicion and discrimination rooted in religious prejudices continued in early modern Europe (1400–1800). At that time, leaders in much of Christian Europe isolated Jews from most aspects of economic, social, and political life. This exclusion contributed to stereotypes of Jews as outsiders. As Europe became more secular, many places lifted most legal restrictions on Jews. This, however, did not mean the end of antisemitism. In addition to religious antisemitism, other types of antisemitism took hold in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. These new forms included economic, nationalist, and racial antisemitism. In the 19th century, antisemites falsely claimed that Jews were responsible for many social and political ills in modern, industrial society. Theories of race, eugenics , and Social Darwinism falsely justified these hatreds. Nazi prejudice against Jews drew upon all of these elements, but especially racial antisemitism . Racial antisemitism is the discriminatory idea that Jews are a separate and inferior race. 

Where did the Holocaust take place?

The Holocaust was a Nazi German initiative that took place throughout German- and Axis-controlled Europe. It affected nearly all of Europe’s Jewish population, which in 1933 numbered 9 million people. 

The Holocaust began in Germany after Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor in January 1933. Almost immediately, the Nazi German regime (which called itself the Third Reich ) excluded Jews from German economic, political, social, and cultural life. Throughout the 1930s, the regime increasingly pressured Jews to emigrate. 

But the Nazi persecution of Jews spread beyond Germany. Throughout the 1930s, Nazi Germany pursued an aggressive foreign policy . This culminated in World War II, which began in Europe in 1939. Prewar and wartime territorial expansion eventually brought millions more Jewish people under German control. 

Nazi Germany’s territorial expansion began in 1938–1939. During this time, Germany annexed neighboring Austria and the Sudetenland and occupied the Czech lands. On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany began World War II (1939–1945) by attacking Poland . Over the next two years, Germany invaded and occupied much of Europe, including western parts of the Soviet Union . Nazi Germany further extended its control by forming alliances with the governments of Italy , Hungary , Romania , and Bulgaria . It also created puppet states in Slovakia and Croatia. Together these countries made up the European members of the Axis alliance , which also included Japan. 

By 1942—as a result of annexations, invasions, occupations, and alliances—Nazi Germany controlled most of Europe and parts of North Africa. Nazi control brought harsh policies and ultimately mass murder to Jewish civilians across Europe. 

The Nazis and their allies and collaborators murdered six million Jews.

Geography of the Holocaust

How did Nazi Germany and its allies and collaborators persecute Jewish people? 

Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its allies and collaborators implemented a wide range of anti-Jewish policies and measures. These policies varied from place to place. Thus, not all Jews experienced the Holocaust in the same way. But in all instances, millions of people were persecuted simply because they were identified as Jewish. 

Throughout German-controlled and aligned territories, the persecution of Jews took a variety of forms:

• Legal discrimination in the form of antisemitic laws . These included the Nuremberg Race Laws and numerous other discriminatory laws.
• Various forms of public identification and exclusion. These included antisemitic propaganda , boycotts of Jewish-owned businesses , public humiliation , and obligatory markings (such as the Jewish star badge worn as an armband or on clothing). 
• Organized violence. The most notable example is Kristallnacht . There were also isolated incidents and other pogroms (violent riots).
• Physical Displacement. Perpetrators used forced emigration, resettlement, expulsion, deportation, and ghettoization to physically displace Jewish individuals and communities.
• Internment. Perpetrators interned Jews in overcrowded ghettos , concentration camps , and forced-labor camps, where many died from starvation, disease, and other inhumane conditions.
• Widespread theft and plunder. The confiscation of Jews’ property, personal belongings, and valuables was a key part of the Holocaust. 
• Forced labor . Jews had to perform forced labor in service of the Axis war effort or for the enrichment of Nazi organizations, the military, and/or private businesses. 

Many Jews died as a result of these policies. But before 1941, the systematic mass murder of all Jews was not Nazi policy. Beginning in 1941, however, Nazi leaders decided to implement the mass murder of Europe’s Jews. They referred to this plan as the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question.” 

What was the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question”?

The Nazi “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” (“ Endlösung der Judenfrage ”) was the deliberate and systematic mass murder of European Jews. It was the last stage of the Holocaust and took place from 1941 to 1945. Though many Jews were killed before the "Final Solution" began, the vast majority of Jewish victims were murdered during this period.

Mass Shootings

The Nazi German regime perpetrated mass shootings of civilians on a scale never seen before. After Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, German units began to carry out mass shootings of local Jews. At first, these units targeted Jewish men of military age. But by August 1941, they had started massacring entire Jewish communities. These massacres were often conducted in broad daylight and in full view and earshot of local residents. 

Mass shooting operations took place in more than 1,500 cities, towns, and villages across eastern Europe. German units tasked with murdering the local Jewish population moved throughout the region committing horrific massacres. Typically, these units would enter a town and round up the Jewish civilians. They would then take the Jewish residents to the outskirts of the town. Next, they would force them to dig a mass grave or take them to mass graves prepared in advance. Finally, German forces and/or local auxiliary units would shoot all of the men, women, and children into these pits. Sometimes, these massacres involved the use of specially designed mobile gas vans. Perpetrators would use these vans to suffocate victims with carbon monoxide exhaust.

Germans also carried out mass shootings at killing sites in occupied eastern Europe. Typically these were located near large cities. These sites included Fort IX in Kovno (Kaunas), the Rumbula and Bikernieki Forests in Riga , and Maly Trostenets near Minsk . At these killing sites, Germans and local collaborators murdered tens of thousands of Jews from the Kovno, Riga, and Minsk ghettos. They also shot tens of thousands of German, Austrian, and Czech Jews at these killing sites. At Maly Trostenets, thousands of victims were also murdered in gas vans.

The German units that perpetrated the mass shootings in eastern Europe included Einsatzgruppen (special task forces of the SS and police), Order Police battalions, and Waffen-SS units. The German military ( Wehrmacht ) provided logistical support and manpower. Some Wehrmacht units also carried out massacres. In many places, local auxiliary units working with the SS and police participated in the mass shootings. These auxiliary units were made up of local civilian, military, and police officials.

As many as 2 million Jews were murdered in mass shootings or gas vans in territories seized from Soviet forces. 

Killing Centers

German authorities, with the help of their allies and collaborators, transported Jews from across Europe to these killing centers. They disguised their intentions by calling the transports to the killing centers “resettlement actions” or “evacuation transports.” In English, they are often referred to as “deportations.” Most of these deportations took place by train. In order to efficiently transport Jews to the killing centers, German authorities used the extensive European railroad system , as well as other means of transportation. In many cases the railcars on the trains were freight cars; in other instances they were passenger cars. 

The conditions on deportation transports were horrific. German and collaborating local authorities forced Jews of all ages into overcrowded railcars. They often had to stand, sometimes for days, until the train reached its destination. The perpetrators deprived them of food, water, bathrooms, heat, and medical care. Jews frequently died en route from the inhumane conditions.

The vast majority of Jews deported to killing centers were gassed almost immediately after their arrival. Some Jews whom German officials believed to be healthy and strong enough were selected for forced labor. 

My mother ran over to me and grabbed me by the shoulders, and she told me "Leibele, I'm not going to see you no more. Take care of your brother."  — Leo Schneiderman  describing arrival at Auschwitz, selection, and separation from his family

At all five killing centers, German officials forced some Jewish prisoners to assist in the killing process. Among other tasks, these prisoners had to sort through victims’ belongings and remove victims’ bodies from the gas chambers. Special units disposed of the millions of corpses through mass burial, in burning pits, or by burning them in large, specially designed crematoria .

Nearly 2.7 million Jewish men, women, and children were murdered at the five killing centers. 

What were ghettos and why did German authorities create them during the Holocaust? 

Ghettos were areas of cities or towns where German occupiers forced Jews to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. German authorities often enclosed these areas by building walls or other barriers. Guards prevented Jews from leaving without permission. Some ghettos existed for years, but others existed only for months, weeks, or even days as holding sites prior to deportation or murder. 

German officials first created ghettos in 1939–1940 in German-occupied Poland. The two largest were located in the occupied Polish cities of Warsaw and Lodz (Łódź). Beginning in June 1941, German officials also established them in newly conquered territories in eastern Europe following the German attack on the Soviet Union. German authorities and their allies and collaborators also established ghettos in other parts of Europe. Notably, in 1944, German and Hungarian authorities created temporary ghettos to centralize and control Jews prior to their deportation from Hungary. 

The Purpose of the Ghettos

German authorities originally established the ghettos to isolate and control the large local Jewish populations in occupied eastern Europe. Initially, they concentrated Jewish residents from within a city and the surrounding area or region. However, beginning in 1941, German officials also deported Jews from other parts of Europe (including Germany) to some of these ghettos. 

Jewish forced labor became a central feature of life in many ghettos. In theory, it was supposed to help pay for the administration of the ghetto as well as support the German war effort. Sometimes, factories and workshops were established nearby in order to exploit the imprisoned Jews for forced labor. The labor was often manual and grueling. 

Life in the Ghettos

Jews in the ghettos sought to maintain a sense of dignity and community. Schools, libraries, communal welfare services, and religious institutions provided some measure of connection among residents. Attempts to document life in the ghettos, such as the Oneg Shabbat archive and clandestine photography, are powerful examples of spiritual resistance . Many ghettos also had underground movements that carried out armed resistance. The most famous of these is the Warsaw ghetto uprising in 1943.    

Liquidating the Ghettos

Beginning in 1941–1942, Germans and their allies and collaborators murdered ghetto residents en masse and dissolved ghetto administrative structures. They called this process “liquidation.” It was part of the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question.” The majority of Jews in the ghettos were murdered either in mass shootings at nearby killing sites or after deportation to killing centers. Most of the killing centers were deliberately located near the large ghettos of German-occupied Poland or on easily-accessible railway routes. 

Who was responsible for carrying out the Holocaust and the Final Solution?

Many people were responsible for carrying out the Holocaust and the Final Solution. 

At the highest level, Adolf Hitler inspired, ordered, approved, and supported the genocide of Europe’s Jews. However, Hitler did not act alone. Nor did he lay out an exact plan for the implementation of the Final Solution. Other Nazi leaders were the ones who directly coordinated, planned, and implemented the mass murder. Among them were Hermann Göring , Heinrich Himmler , Reinhard Heydrich , and Adolf Eichmann . 

However, millions of Germans and other Europeans participated in the Holocaust. Without their involvement, the genocide of the Jewish people in Europe would not have been possible. Nazi leaders relied upon German institutions and organizations; other Axis powers; local bureaucracies and institutions; and individuals. 

German Institutions, Organizations, and Individuals

As members of these institutions, countless German soldiers , policemen , civil servants , lawyers, judges , businessmen , engineers, and doctors and nurses chose to implement the regime’s policies. Ordinary Germans also participated in the Holocaust in a variety of ways. Some Germans cheered as Jews were beaten or humiliated. Others denounced Jews for disobeying racist laws and regulations. Many Germans bought, took, or looted their Jewish neighbors' belongings and property. These Germans’ participation in the Holocaust was motivated by enthusiasm, careerism, fear, greed, self-interest, antisemitism, and political ideals, among other factors. 

Non-German Governments and Institutions

Nazi Germany did not perpetrate the Holocaust alone. It relied on the help of its allies and collaborators. In this context, “allies” refers to Axis countries officially allied with Nazi Germany. “Collaborators” refers to regimes and organizations that cooperated with German authorities in an official or semi-official capacity. Nazi Germany’s allies and collaborators included:

• The European Axis Powers and other collaborationist regimes (such as Vichy France ). These governments passed their own antisemitic legislation and cooperated with German goals.
• German-backed local bureaucracies, especially local police forces. These organizations helped round up, intern, and deport Jews even in countries not allied with Germany, such as the Netherlands .
• Local auxiliary units made up of military and police officials and civilians. These German-backed units participated in massacres of Jews in eastern Europe (often voluntarily). 

The terms “allies” and “collaborators” can also refer to individuals affiliated with these governments and organizations.

Individuals across Europe 

Throughout Europe, individuals who had no governmental or institutional affiliation and did not directly participate in murdering Jews also contributed to the Holocaust. 

One of the deadliest things that neighbors, acquaintances, colleagues, and even friends could do was denounce Jews to Nazi German authorities. An unknown number chose to do so. They revealed Jews’ hiding places, unmasked false Christian identities, and otherwise identified Jews to Nazi officials. In doing so, they brought about their deaths. These individuals’ motivations were wide-ranging: fear, self-interest, greed, revenge, antisemitism, and political and ideological beliefs.

Individuals also profited from the Holocaust. Non-Jews sometimes moved into Jews’ homes, took over Jewish-owned businesses, and stole Jews’ possessions and valuables. This was part of the widespread theft and plunder that accompanied the genocide. 

Most often individuals contributed to the Holocaust through inaction and indifference to the plight of their Jewish neighbors. Sometimes these individuals are called bystanders . 

Who were the other victims of Nazi persecution and mass murder?

The Holocaust specifically refers to the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews. However, there were also millions of other victims of Nazi persecution and murder . In the 1930s, the regime targeted a variety of alleged domestic enemies within German society. As the Nazis extended their reach during World War II, millions of other Europeans were also subjected to Nazi brutality. 

The Nazis classified Jews as the priority “enemy.” However, they also targeted other groups as threats to the health, unity, and security of the German people. The first group targeted by the Nazi regime consisted of political opponents . These included officials and members of other political parties and trade union activists. Political opponents also included people simply suspected of opposing or criticizing the Nazi regime. Political enemies were the first to be incarcerated in Nazi concentration camps . Jehovah’s Witnesses were also incarcerated in prisons and concentration camps. They were arrested because they refused to swear loyalty to the government or serve in the German military.

The Nazi regime also targeted Germans whose activities were deemed harmful to German society. These included men accused of homosexuality , persons accused of being professional or habitual criminals, and so-called asocials (such as people identified as vagabonds, beggars, prostitutes, pimps, and alcoholics). Tens of thousands of these victims were incarcerated in prisons and concentration camps. The regime also forcibly sterilized and persecuted Afro-Germans . 

People with disabilities were also victimized by the Nazi regime. Before World War II, Germans considered to have supposedly unhealthy hereditary conditions were forcibly sterilized. Once the war began, Nazi policy radicalized. People with disabilities, especially those living in institutions, were considered both a genetic and a financial burden on Germany. These people were targeted for murder in the so-called Euthanasia Program .

The Nazi regime employed extreme measures against groups considered to be racial, civilizational, or ideological enemies. This included Roma (Gypsies) , Poles (especially the Polish intelligentsia and elites), Soviet officials , and Soviet prisoners of war . The Nazis perpetrated mass murder against these groups.

How did the Holocaust end? 

But liberation did not bring closure. Many Holocaust survivors faced ongoing threats of violent antisemitism and displacement as they sought to build new lives. Many had lost family members, while others searched for years to locate missing parents, children, and siblings.

How did some Jews survive the Holocaust? 

Despite Nazi Germany’s efforts to murder all the Jews of Europe, some Jews survived the Holocaust. Survival took a variety of forms. But, in every case, survival was only possible because of an extraordinary confluence of circumstances, choices, help from others (both Jewish and non-Jewish), and sheer luck. 

Survival outside of German-Controlled Europe 

Some Jews survived the Holocaust by escaping German-controlled Europe. Before World War II began, hundreds of thousands of Jews emigrated from Nazi Germany despite significant immigration barriers. Those who immigrated to the United States, Great Britain, and other areas that remained beyond German control were safe from Nazi violence. Even after World War II began, some Jews managed to escape German-controlled Europe. For example, approximately 200,000 Polish Jews fled the German occupation of Poland. These Jews survived the war under harsh conditions after Soviet authorities deported them further east into the interior of the Soviet Union.

Survival in German-Controlled Europe

A smaller number of Jews survived inside German-controlled Europe. They often did so with the help of rescuers. Rescue efforts ranged from the isolated actions of individuals to organized networks, both small and large. Throughout Europe, there were non-Jews who took grave risks to help their Jewish neighbors, friends, and strangers survive. For example, they found hiding places for Jews, procured false papers that offered protective Christian identities, or provided them with food and supplies. Other Jews survived as members of partisan resistance movements . Finally, some Jews managed, against enormous odds, to survive imprisonment in concentration camps, ghettos, and even killing centers. 

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, those Jews who survived were often confronted with the traumatic reality of having lost their entire families and communities. Some were able to go home and chose to rebuild their lives in Europe. Many others were afraid to do so because of postwar violence and antisemitism . In the immediate postwar period, those who could not or would not return home often found themselves living in displaced persons camps . There, many had to wait years before they were able to immigrate to new homes.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, the world has struggled to come to terms with the horrors of the genocide, to remember the victims, and to hold perpetrators responsible . These important efforts remain ongoing.

Series: After the Holocaust

Liberation of Nazi Camps

The Aftermath of the Holocaust: Effects on Survivors

Displaced Persons

About Life after the Holocaust

Postwar Trials

What is Genocide?

Genocide timeline, series: the holocaust.

"Final Solution": Overview

Forced Labor: An Overview

Mass Shootings of Jews during the Holocaust

Gassing Operations

Deportations to Killing Centers

Killing Centers: An Overview

Switch series, critical thinking questions.

What can we learn from the massive size and scope of the Holocaust?

Across Europe, the Nazis found countless willing helpers who collaborated or were complicit in their crimes. What motives and pressures led so many individuals to persecute, to murder, or to abandon their fellow human beings?

Were there warning signs of what was to come before the Nazis came to power in 1933? Before the start of mass killing in 1941?

In this context, “allies” refers to Axis countries officially allied with Nazi Germany. “Collaborators” refers to regimes and organizations that cooperated with German authorities in an official or semi-official capacity. These German-backed collaborators included some local police forces, bureaucracies, and paramilitary units. The terms “allies” and “collaborators” can also refer to individuals affiliated with these governments and organizations.

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