Talk at the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport
by Vasant Kalbag
The human race dominates the world because very early in their evolution they learnt mutual communication and cooperation. They thrive by working for self and others too. The others were their own kin when population was very small and tribes were all nomads. This is supposed to be the etymology of the word “kin- d” and so of “kindness”.
In the beginning they did not expect any reward or price, but as the tribes grew large in size, and began to settle down at one place for longer, it happened that there were some individuals who did nothing for the giver but only received. This gave rise to trade, when every article or service was exchanged for something else. Then followed some kind of money in terms of which the goods or service were valued and sold or bought.
Even now in our own city there are many who exchange goods or services in barter deals, and no money is involved. They thus beat inflation. When the deals are fair most often they become friends and have further exchanges. There are also many others who just give a smile, or some goods or service to those who need it, all without any expectation. This is what we mean by kindness now.
Genuine and spontaneous kindness in any form builds up goodwill and fosters friendships. Even an honest and fair trader builds up goodwill, which can be cashed if he happens to sell his business. Such people accumulate real wealth, they are more likely to receive the kindness of others when they need it. When many in a community or town are kind, they build up what is known as ‘social capital’. This makes the community more cooperative and caring. It adds to the prosperity, security and happiness of the community.
Kindness has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural. There are no batteries to replace, it is inflation-proof and non-fattening if accumulated in one’s self ! There are no monthly payments to be made. It is also non-taxable, non-polluting, and is also fully refundable!!
