45 Kindness Quotes | Examples & Inspiration
Most would probably agree that today’s world could do with a bit more kindness. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our to-dos, getting from one place to another, or simply trying to get by—which means that we can forget to pause and act with intention toward one another.
This curated list of kindness quotes invites us to do just that. It speaks to both the benefits and importance of kindness, to be practiced at all ages.
Add your favorite kindness quotes to custom graphics using QuillBot’s Image Generator. You can hang them in classrooms, share them with friends and loved ones, or keep them as personal affirmations.
Key takeaways
- This article highlights the power and strength of kindness through a curated collection of quotes from writers, philosophers, and public figures.
- It shows how small, intentional acts of compassion can change lives, both others’ and our own. Here, kindness includes treating others with dignity and sharing love.
- Readers are encouraged to reflect on these quotes and incorporate kindness into everyday life as a key part of cultivating a lasting legacy.
What are kindness quotes?
Kindness quotes are any lines from literature, poetry, music, speeches, or films that speak to the importance of compassion and care for those around us—including ourselves. On this list, you’ll find wise words from poets, philosophers, psychologists, and more who attest to the strength and wisdom of kindness.
Quotes about kindness
Quotes about kindness make a case for moving through the world with gentleness and empathy for others. They emphasize the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on others and the true necessity of choosing to live compassionately.
- “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ―Sharon Salzberg, author
- “Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.” —Max Ehrmann, writer and poet
- “Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, poet
- “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” —Jean-Jacques Rousseau, philosopher
- “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ―Kahlil Gibran, writer and poet
- “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist
- “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” ―Lao-Tzu, philosopher
- “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” ―Steve Maraboli, author
- “I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” ―Peter Jackson, filmmaker
- “If we are going to be kind, let it be out of simple generosity, not because we fear guilt or retribution.” —J.M. Coetzee, novelist and essayist
- “It’s a little embarrassing that after 45 years of research and study, the best advice I can give people is to be a little kinder to each other.” ―Aldous Huxley, writer and philosopher
- “I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in the kindness of human beings. I am so absorbed in the wonder of earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and angels.” ―Pearl S. Buck, writer
- “Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness.” —Leo Tolstoy, writer
- “When someone is crying, of course, the noble thing to do is to comfort them. But if someone is trying to hide their tears, it may also be noble to pretend you do not notice them.” ―Daniel Handler, musician and author of A Series of Unfortunate Events
- “I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.” —Khalil Gibran, writer and poet
- “Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.” —George Sand, novelist
- “Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.” —Theodore Isaac Rubin, psychiatrist and author
- “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” —Tennessee Williams, playwright and screenwriter
- “Love has never been a popular movement. And no one’s ever wanted, really, to be free. The world is held together, really it is held together, by the love and the passion of a very few people.” —James Baldwin, writer and civil rights activist
- “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Kindness quotes for kids
Teach kindness from a young age with the help of kindness quotes for kids. These kindness quotes for kids are accessible for all ages and make great additions to classrooms, storytime, and activities.
- “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” —Fred Rogers, TV personality
- “And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!” —Anne Frank, diarist
- “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” —Maya Angelou, memoirist and essayist
- “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” —Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter and actress
- “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” —Amelia Earhart, aviator
- “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” —Clare Pooley, novelist and memoirist
- “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple.” —Scott Adams, cartoonist and author
- “Have the courage to be kind.” —Cinderella (2015)
- “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” —Dr. Seuss, author and illustrator
- “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” —A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh
- “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist
- “Kindness is the new cool.” —Syed Balkhi, entrepreneur
- “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!” —George Elliston, journalist
- “Every human being has a full and total life just like you. Every human being is a mix of characteristics. We all have dreams and hopes and loves. We all have fears and triggers and challenges. We all have a whole context that is contributing to our situation and the way we live our lives.” —Clementine Morrigan, writer
- “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” —Lucius Annaeus Seneca, philosopher
Short quotes about kindness
Short quotes about kindness make wonderful mantras and reflection prompts to use in a gratitude or journaling practice. You can also share them with friends and loved ones or stick them on your mirror as reminders to practice more intentional kindness toward others.
| Quote | Source |
|---|---|
|
|
Sophocles, tragedian |
|
|
E. Lockhart, writer |
|
|
Rick Riordan, author |
|
|
Aesop, fabulist |
|
|
Wendy Mass, author |
|
|
Barbara Kingsolver, novelist and essayist |
|
|
J.M. Barrie, novelist and playwright |
|
|
William Makepeace Thackeray, novelist |
|
|
Rosamund Hodge, author |
|
|
Russian proverb |
Frequently asked questions about kindness quotes
- What are some kind words that start with L?
-
Kind words that start with L include positive nouns, adjectives, or verbs that express gratitude or kindness to another person. They’re perfect for love messages, personalized gifts, acrostic poems, kindness quotes, and more.
-
Nouns: Leader, legend
-
Adjectives: Lively, lovely, loving, loyal, lucky
-
Verbs: Like, love
When you’re writing with words that start with the letter L, QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you avoid errors.
-
- What are examples of “be kind” quotes?
-
Examples of “be kind” quotes include:
- “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist
- “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop, fabulist
- “A kind word is like a spring day.” —Russian proverb
Add your favorite kindness quotes and affirmations to personalized graphics using QuillBot’s free Image Generator.
- What are some bible quotes on kindness?
-
Bible quotes on kindness include:
- “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not proud.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:32
- “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” —Proverbs 11:17
Always cite Bible quotes correctly with the help of QuillBot’s free Citation Generator.
