Week 1: Kindness as Strength

“Be nicer than necessary to everyone you meet. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle.”

(Socrates, Ian Mclaren)

The Essence

This quote is a profound call for radical empathy. It reminds us that every person has an inner story, a worry, or a pain that we know nothing about. Since we don't know the depth of others' inner struggles, extra kindness is a moral buffer. Your kindness is a proactive virtue that you can control, regardless of external circumstances.

Takeaway

True strength lies in gentleness. The decision to be kinder than necessary is an exercise in self-control and inner peace.

Application in Daily Life

• The “maybe” exercise: Neutralize negative encounters by thinking, “Maybe this person is dealing with a serious problem right now.” Don't take it personally.
• The “extra”: Perform a small, additional act of kindness every day that is not expected (e.g., an honest compliment, listening longer).
• The transfer (self-reflection): Be “kinder than necessary” to yourself as well . Treat your own mistakes with the same leniency and patience you would show a friend.