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

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