Over my many years in politics and business, I have found one thing to be universally true: the kindest person in the room is often the smartest.
I know nothing about the person who said it, but there is a lot of truth in that – click on the link to read more. Cruelty is not a sign of intelligence.
I remember reading that the ‘shopping cart test’ is a simple measure of kindness and character. Notice the folks who abandon their shopping carts in an empty parking space post shopping trip vs. those who return them to the cart bay. There is no reward for returning the shopping cart, nor is there a penalty for abandoning it. However, the person who returns the cart has considered other shoppers and the store personnel. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but apparently, a lot can be learned from observing how folks treat the cart. I always find it nice when parents do this in the presence of their kids or have their kids return the cart. It is a simple but powerful lesson about valuing people and things, being okay with momentary inconveniences, and thinking beyond our noses.
100% agree with you. As you mention, there are exceptions to the the rule, but it can definitely sway the way I might view a person I don’t know.
Cruelty is the sign of the ignorantsia.