“Treat others as you would wish to be treated”. This is a rule we are taught from the time we are able to walk. It is drilled into our heads as a drill digs into the rocks of the earth. So naturally, when someone treats us with hate, the first instinctive response is to respond with more hate – was this person not taught the same principle? The rule applies. However, this is the negative application of this rule. It is in fact meant to discourage hate. But then why is it used to ignite the flames of hatred within a small or large group of people? Perhaps because many people have either heard or used another saying.
This brings me to my next point with the saying: “Do as I say, but not as I do”. Such a statement is overlooked because most do not understand it. However, it simply means to do what you are told but not to repeat what is said or done by another. Therefore, individuals ignore this statement because their curiosity gets the better of them and they proceed to partake in ill-advised activities. You may hear a mother tell her child multiple times not to jump off a playground ledge because the child saw others do it moments before. This does not give the child permission however, if the child proceeds. They will have risked a broken ankle or arm. If they listen to the parent and walk down the stairs or slide down, they limit the risk of getting hurt. However, the child may think the parent evoked this saying because the parent hates them as a child. This could fester later in the workplace, bringing me to my next point.
When you think about it, on a small scale, hate dictates and motivates our actions. As displayed above, a child may try to disobey their parents out of spite, despite the risk to their health. When an adult working in a company wants a promotion from work, and someone else gets it before them, they may despise management or even the person who got the promotion. That may motivate them to do something against their new rival. Hate, however, is a negative emotion because while it motivates you, it usually motivates you to do the wrong thing. For example, you may try to get your coworker in trouble, or begin acting in strange ways towards them. They may in turn start doing the same actions towards you – possibly resulting in the termination of your or their employment.
Hate has more than just one negative impact, however. You may have had the worst day anyone could possibly imagine, and you see someone having the time of their life, waltzing down the street. Do you do something to change their mood? Do you do multiple things to this person to take your anger out on them? Yes, you do, because that is the principle of hatred. Now you have spread the disease. In 9 out of 10 cases, you will later regret your actions because they were driven by Hatred: The enemy of kindness. You can do what you do with hatred; kindness is ten times more effective.
Kindness is more effective than hate because when you show someone compassion, they will, more often than not, change their composure. From being filled with rage, to being calmer than before.
Kindness brings out the best in people. Hate brings out the worst in people. However, one cannot exist without the other. Just as Yin cannot exist without Yang. The symbols of Chaos and Harmony bring peace when there is balance. However, there is disorder when one begins to overpower the other.
This is such a thought-provoking article. It is also a very inspiring article. The concept of treating others as you would like to be treated is such a simple concept, but often one that is easily overlooked and not followed.
I was also interested in the concept of someone having a bad day trying to bring down the mood of someone having a good day just from pure spite. As the author explains, any joy the person feels by bringing down another person is short-lived.
Thinking before acting when you are in a bad mood is excellent advice. As the author states, kindness is key. And it’s a pretty simple concept!
I was blown away by the title of this article and everything that followed was just as incredible. This is an honest analysis of hate in our everyday lives as well as it’s power in the lvies of children.
My favorite quote from this article is, ” You can do what you do with hatred; kindness is ten times more effective.” I truly believe that if more people acted with this mindset, the world would be a much better place. I am happy to live in a world where young people are questioning the impacts of their actions like Kristy has so clearly displayed in this thoughtful article.
Kristy makes some incredible points. I appreciate the acknowledgement that hate and kindness are dependent on each other. We can teach kindness just as easily as we teach hatred. This seems quite hard to imagine these days, but with minds like Kristy’s, I’m hopeful.
This article shows great insight to learned and socialized behavior while also exploring wistful sentiments of feeling. Understanding the relationship between kindness and hate is incredibly profound. Good job!
I love the use of the types of messages imprinted upon youth. “Treat others as you would wish to be treated.” “Do as I say, not as I do.” Kristy makes great points on how we don’t often understand the messages we say or receive, and the impact of language and interpretation. Beautiful piece.
I thoroughly appreciate this article and its perspective on hate. This piece addresses how hate dictates our action and how the world would be a better place if instead kindness dictated our actions. The ending truly hits home…
“Kindness brings out the best in people. Hate brings out the worst in people. However, one cannot exist without the other. Just as Yin cannot exist without Yang. The symbols of Chaos and Harmony bring peace when there is balance. However, there is disorder when one begins to overpower the other.”
Amazing!
Excellent work in expressing the dynamic relationship within oneself to express hatred or kindness based on the different types of past interactions one may have experienced. The writer also expressed there being a choice to make between hate or kindness, having control and the ability to choose is quite empowering. When this power between Yin and Yang is understood, the decision to respond to others becomes quite clear. Well done.