PsycHacks Episode 283: Being kind is not being nice
Jan 15, 2023
Kindness is more complex than it seems. It’s not just about being nice; true kindness often involves a tough love approach. The discussion dives into the dual nature of kindness, contrasting it with niceness. Loving honesty is shown as essential for genuine kindness, while enabling behaviors can lead to harm. Real-life examples illustrate how accountability complements compassion, fostering deeper connections. It challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of kindness in everyday interactions.
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Two Faces Of Kindness
- Kindness has two complementary faces: mercy and loving honesty.
- Orion Taraban says being nice isn't always kind, and kindness isn't always nice.
Mercy Means Don't Add Harm
- Mercy-based kindness avoids adding insult and eases suffering.
- Orion Taraban highlights being kind to others and to yourself.
Loving Honesty Requires Intervention
- Loving honesty means intervene when people hurt themselves rather than only withholding harm.
- Orion Taraban argues true kindness tries to prevent unnecessary self-destruction.