You might have encountered the timeless saying, “treat others the way you wish to be treated,” a variation of which is widely known as “the Golden Rule.”

A simple act of kindness can have a profound impact, whether it’s aimed at yourself or someone else. A few kind words can mean everything to someone in need. Life may present challenges, but encouragement from those around us can make overcoming them a little easier.

Here’s a curated list of kindness quotes designed to inspire and promote positivity:

30 Quotes on Kindness

• “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato
• “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice.” – Roy T. Bennett, “The Light in the Heart”
• “Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
• “Being kind means responding to the needs of others – and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” – Mr. Rogers
• “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
• “Tenderness and kindness are strengths, not signs of weakness.” – Kahlil Gibran
• “Compassion isn’t about fixing problems, but about giving all the love you can.” – Cheryl Strayed, “Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar”
• “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Kindness starts with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles F. Glassman
• “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These qualities define us and sometimes drive us to greatness.” – R.J. Palacio, “Wonder”
• “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
• “If your compassion doesn’t include yourself, it’s incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield
• “Kindness and courtesy aren’t overrated; they’re rarely used enough.” – Tommy Lee Jones
• “One of the most important things is to let others know they aren’t alone.” – Shannon L. Adler
• “True greatness is shown through the way we treat those from whom we expect nothing.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
• “Kindness can serve as its own reason. We become kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer
• “Hate has a way of bouncing back, but so does kindness.” – Robin Roe, “A List of Cages”
• “The shortest distance between two people is a smile.” – Victor Borge
• “There are no small acts of kindness. Every act of compassion expands the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
• “Be a rainbow in someone’s cloudy day.” – Maya Angelou, “Letter to My Daughter”
• “Be true to yourself, be kind to yourself, pursue your interests, and avoid negativity.” – Steve Maraboli
• “How wonderful a day can be, when touched by kindness.” – George Elliston
• “When we feel connected to others, acting with compassion is simply natural.” – Rachel Naomi Remen
• “Part of kindness is loving others more than they deserve.” – Joseph Joubert
• “The principles guiding my life have been kindness, beauty, and truth, bringing me courage.” – Albert Einstein, “The World As I See It”
• “Kindness can illuminate someone’s darkest moments.” – Amy Leigh Mercree
• “Always strive to be a bit kinder than necessary.” – J.M. Barrie
• “Nothing feels as rewarding as helping people understand their worth.” – Bob Anderson
• “We rise by uplifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll
• “I’ve realized that people may forget your words and actions, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou