I don’t know why–it’s just that– I don’t know–they’re not kin."– Surprising word, I think to myself never used it before. Not of kin–sounds like hillbilly talk–not of a kind–same root–kindness, too–they can’t have real kindness toward him, they’re not his kin --. That’s exactly the feeling. Old word, so ancient it’s almost drowned out. What a change through the centuries. Now anybody can be "kind." And everybody’s supposed to be. Except that long ago it was something you were born into and couldn’t help. Now it’s just a faked-up attitude half the time, like teachers the first day of class. But what do they really know about kindness who are not kin. Robert M. Pirsig
About This Quote

The word "kindness" has changed over the years, but not necessarily for the better. For example, in the past, kindness was something you were born with and could not help. Nowadays, people often refer to "kindness" as a fake-up attitude that is used to behave in a certain way or to remain positive in a situation. In fact, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, kindness is defined as "a sympathetic consideration for the happiness of others." This definition makes it quite clear that kindness can be faked and does not have to be a natural feeling.

Source: Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

Some Similar Quotes
  1. It happens like this. "One day you meet someone and for some inexplicable reason, you feel more connected to this stranger than anyone else--closer to them than your closest family. Perhaps this person carries within them an angel--one sent to you for some higher purpose;... - Lang Leav
  2. For the first time in forever, he was stunned to silence. Not by her words, but by the tenderness in her hands, the worry in her eyes. He was an archangel. He’d been wounded far, far worse and shrugged it off. But then, there had... - Nalini Singh
  3. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. - Anonymous
  4. The hand on my hair moved to my back, and I realized someone was singing softly. The voice was familiar, and something about it made my chest ache. Well, that was to be expected. Angels' songs would be awfully poignant. "'I was working as a... - Rachel Hawkins
  5. Realizing the seriously ruthless, venomous habits and agendas of evil always instills a more fierce passion and longing for a closer God. Men, out of pride, may claim their own authorities over what constitutes good and evil; they may self-proclaim a keen knowledge of subjective... - Criss Jami
More Quotes By Robert M. Pirsig
  1. And to do something that helps your coven survive, even after your own death, is the greatest gift you can possibly give them…”-- Angela from Angela’s Coven
  2. The loneliest place to spend eternity is your own life after you can't change it anymore."-- Lucifer from Kevin
  3. Do I at least get to keep the toothbrush?”“ Sure. Unless you can get it back in that wrapper and seal it up all nice and new. Well, that’s what the last girl did. See, you can hardly tell it’s been opened! ”-- Reggie Sinclair...
  4. I don’t know if you picked up on the elephant in the room… but we’re witches. Angela, Andrea, me, and Evelyn and Celia back home.”-- Aunt Maddy from The Ragtime Coven
  5. Lucifer sharpened his gaze and focused on Ajax. “Yes… I want you to drive over to New Jersey, load those two corpses into your car and take them back to the Italians… personally”“ In my car?”“ They haven’t been in the water more than a...
Related Topics