True kindness comes in many forms; it comes in how we speak to others, help those in need, be understanding and forgiving, and sometimes put others before ourselves. It all comes down to how we are able to touch the hearts and lives of others while we can. Being kind is often one of the first life lessons we are taught as children. However, it is a virtue that seems less important and less valued than perhaps it should be.
Here, we have compiled a list of biographies and memoirs from some of the world’s kindest souls. Some are names that you may recognize, while others highlight the stories that often go unnoticed. Take a look at the lives of these kind people and become inspired by their simple acts of kindness.
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
Fred Rogers, known to most as Mr. Rogers, from the television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, taught generations of children what it meant to be kind. He was a man who lived each day with a soft gentleness that left a profound impact on the world around him. His biography, The Good Neighbor, written by Maxwell King, describes Fred Rogers’ personal and professional life and how he came to be the friendly face that everyone knows and loves. Mr. Rogers is truly a symbol of compassion and kindness, and it seems that everyone could learn something from how he lived his life.
Pulling Each Other Along: 31 Inspirational Stories of Human Kindness by Todd Civin and Doug Cornfield
Pulling Each Other Along is a story of humankind meant to inspire. It is a collection of stories of immense kindness that emphasizes the good people in the world. Each story is written by someone who has experienced kindness in a moment of need and centers around helping others to achieve their goals of success. The authors hope to promote the good stories in the world that no one knows happen each and every day.
Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton
While most know Dolly Parton as a successful country singer and songwriter with a cheeky personality, most people don’t know the impact she has left on the world around her. In her autobiography, Parton talks about her personal life, career, relationships, achievements, and philosophies that have made her into the star that everyone loves. Most of her extensive charity work revolves around children’s education and literacy. Parton has truly made an impact on this world with her kindness, and her lifestyle is something to learn from.
Steve & Me by Terri Irwin
Steve Irwin was a man known to the world not only for his kindness to humans, but for his unmatched kindness towards animals and the natural world. Steve Irwin was first known from his television show, The Crocodile Hunter, where he showed his enthusiasm for animals and saving nature. He and his family then went on to found Australia Zoo until he was unexpectedly killed during a stingray accident. Steve & Me, written by his wife, Terri Irwin, dives into her life with Steve and the kind of man that he was. It is not only a story of love, but a story of compassion, and the genuine authenticity as Terri and her family live to continue the lessons that Steve Irwin left for the world to learn.
The Kindness Diaries: One Man’s Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the World by Leon Logothetis
The Kindness Diaries shares beautifully inspiring stories that will make you take a second look at how you live your life. It follows the story of Leon Logothetis after he leaves his job as a stockbroker in hopes of finding meaning in his life. He travels through the U.S., Europe, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Canada before finally making it back to Los Angeles by asking strangers for shelter, food, and gas. All around the world, he is confronted by the kindness and generosity of strangers who help him along his journey. This is a book that is sure to renew your faith in the goodness of humanity.
Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community by Born This Way Foundation Reporters and Lady Gaga
Channel Kindness is a book by the Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. Their foundation seeks to empower young people to be kind and unapologetically be who they are. Their book, Channel Kindness, gathers stories of bravery, resilience, and kindness from around the world to inspire others to prevail. It contains stories of young people who have sought change in their world through starting social movements, breaking stigmas, standing up against bullies, and creating safe spaces for young LGBTQ+ people. Through this collection of stories, Lady Gaga and her foundation hope to show the world that kindness will always win.
From these stories, we can learn that simple acts of kindness truly can change the world. Sometimes we all need a reminder to do something kind for someone each day. We hope that reading any one of these books will inspire you to believe that treating people and the world with kindness is always worth it.
Want to learn how to be a kinder person? Click here.
Find these books and more on our Non-Fiction Titles for the Enlightened Mind bookshelf on Bookshop.
