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There’s nothing controversial about being kind. We can all agree that being the benefactor of a good deed is always lovely, and doing good deeds makes us feel great, too. With much research in recent years about the domino effect of kindness - how witnessing a good deed can influence another - this collection of short videos truly has the power to make the world a kinder place.
Take a few minutes and enjoy this happy playlist, then go out into the world with a smile on your face and kindness in your heart!
1. CHOCOLATES FOR KINDNESS
In an attempt to encourage people to be kind to each other, the fine folks from Anthon Berg chocolates set up a novel store - the Generous Store. In this delicious pop-up, the only payment accepted was a promise of a good deed. What a lovely idea.
2. 22 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi could have spent his 22nd birthday partying with friends, but instead he decided to perform 22 random acts of kindness. From distributing balloons to a children's orphanage to cleaning up all the litter at his university, Syed made his birthday a celebration of giving to others.
3. THE KINDNESS BOOMERANG
Created by the nonprofit Life Vest Inside, this inspiring video demonstrates how far the power of kindness can go - in the end boomeranging right back to where it began. It doesn't take much to smile at a stranger, say thank you to the cashier or hold the door open for someone - these small acts of kindness can brighten up anyone's day and take minimal effort.
4. FACTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU KINDER
This positive clip from Buzzfeed is packed full of facts about kindness and doing good for others. For example - did you know that the brain releases feel-good chemicals when you do something kind? Try it and see!
5. WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW? KINDNESS IS GOOD
British TV writer John Lloyd narrates this captivating short clip, listing various things that humanity has yet to understand. There is one thing we all know, however - and Lloyd asserts that it’s an absolute fact - To be kind, is good. Period.
6. KINDNESS TO SLEEPING STRANGERS
In this video, the team from Charidy took to the train to see how many people would do the same as this man called Isaac, who let a stranger sleep on his shoulder on the subway. The results? Yet more proof that people are truly awesome.
7. THE IMPORTANCE OF KINDNESS
In May 2013, American author George Saunders gave a commencement speech at the University of Syracuse, zeroing in on something that everyone - recent graduates included - could use a bit more of - kindness.
8. WE ARE BUILT TO BE KIND
Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology and the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, has a radical premise that sheds new light on Charles Darwin’s well-known theories – people are hardwired to be kind. The research takes a different direction on existing scientific theories of human nature - revealing that contrary to popular belief, humans are built to care for others.
9. WILL STRANGERS BE KIND TO YOU?
In another warm and fuzzy video, Buzzfeed put random folks to the test on the streets of Los Angeles, approaching strangers with a series of faux situations in which they asked for help. The results were resoundingly positive - with 30 people agreeing to help and a meager two people refusing to aid a stranger in need.
10. KINDNESS THROUGH GIVING
This three-minute ad from a Thai telecom company packs in real drama and emotion. Rather than advertising their hottest smartphone on the market, TrueMoveH sends a different message with, "giving is the best communication." Be ready to choke up as you witness some beautiful acts of kindness.
