We all know the importance of being kind and the effect it has on those around us, so if you’re looking for some inspiration to spread a little kindness or just looking to brighten up your day, we’ve put together some of our favourite kindness quotes.
From the likes of Princess Diana and Desmond Tutu to The Dalai Lama and Maya Angelou, many notable public figures have spoken out about the importance of being kind and spreading love.
Even just one small act of kindness, from opening a door for someone or sending a gift to a friend, can have a huge impact. Let these heartwarming quotes inspire you to share some kindness today.
CHECK OUT: 21 of our favourite quotes about being kind and spreading kindness
Being kind quotes
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1 of 21Dalai Lama
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
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2 of 21Aesop
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
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3 of 21Princess Diana
"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."
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4 of 21Lady Gaga
"I've been searching for ways to heal myself, and I've found that kindness is the best way."
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5 of 21Mother Teresa
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
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6 of 21Eric Hoffer
"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind."
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7 of 21Steve Maraboli
"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal."
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8 of 21Ronald Reagan
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."
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9 of 21Desmond Tutu
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
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10 of 21Maya Angelou
"My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden of your tender heart."
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11 of 21Harold S. Kushner
"Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are."
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12 of 21Buddha
"When words are both true and kind, they can change the world."
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13 of 21Joseph B. Wirthlin
"Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and moulds relationships that can last lifetimes."
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14 of 21Leo Buscaglia
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
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15 of 21Scott Adams
"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."
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16 of 21Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fibre of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough."
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17 of 21Mark Twain
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
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18 of 21Publilius Syrus
"You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force."
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19 of 21Joseph Joubert
"A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve."
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20 of 21Cheryl Strayed
"Compassion isn't about solutions. It's about giving all the love that you've got."
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21 of 21Roald Dahl
"I think probably kindness is my number one attribute in a human being. I'll put it before any of the things like courage, or bravery, or generosity, or anything else 2026 Kindness - that simple word. To be kind - it covers everything, to my mind. If you're kind that's it."
You may not realise it, but being kind actually has many benefits for your mental and physical health.
Mental health campaigner Natasha Devon explains, "The psychological benefit to doing these types of kind acts – ones that involve donating our time or giving something away with no obvious, tangible reward – is called ‘helpers high’. Humans are tribal animals. We have evolved in such a way as to ensure that we can rely on one another, thus ensuring our survival.
"Therefore, when we do something helpful for others, our brain sends signals to release endorphins – feel-good chemicals. Endorphins not only induce a temporary feeling of euphoria, but in the long-term they have been shown to counteract the impact of stress and anxiety on the brain and body. Therefore, kindness is one of the most efficient ways to improve your mental fitness."
WATCH: Emma Kenny’s mood boosting tips
Who wrote the quote "Throw kindness around like confetti"?
The quote "Throw kindness around like confetti" is believed to have been written by American fashion designer and entrepreneur Kate Spade, who founded the label Kate Spade New York, although it's not known exactly when she said it.
Kate sadly suffered from depression and anxiety for many years and tragically died by suicide in 2018.
When is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day is celebrated every year on 13 November after being introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. Its purpose is to promote the importance of being kind to others, yourself and the world.