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Could we systematise the kindness/happiness effect without ruining it? Kindness by definition isn't kindness if it is not voluntary. I think the best you can
by Amadou 13y ago
Could we systematise the kindness/happiness effect without ruining it?
Kindness by definition isn't kindness if it is not voluntary.
I think the best you can hope for are social systems that don't reward cruelty.
- jodrellblank 13y agoWhat definition? Why not? Unkindness and cruelty still exist if they are built into systems, don't they?
- fastball 13y agoWell, we seem to be talking about kindness in regards to how it makes you feel. Kindness does not work if it is forced. You can force people to do "kind" things, but that won't make them happy. Likewise, when we have unkindness built into systems, it doesn't necessarily make people feel bad, because they're being forced to do it (or at least, not as bad).
- leto 13y agoYes. I think the key here is that it probably makes us happier to see two choices and choose the kinder, rather than simply living in a kindness-enforced society. At least for me, I derive a lot of happiness simply from my sense of agency, and choosing to be an agent of good will is powerful.