Will you be clever at the expense of others, or will you be kind?
The quote “Will you be clever at the expense of others, or will you be kind?” is a profound statement that underscores the importance of kindness over cunningness. It suggests that one can choose to employ their intellect and wit to outsmart others for personal gain, or they can choose to use their abilities in a way that benefits everyone, demonstrating kindness and compassion.
Being ‘clever at the expense of others’ means using your intelligence or skills not just for your own advantage but doing so in a way that may harm or disadvantage other people. This could mean exploiting someone’s ignorance, taking credit for someone else’s work, or manipulating situations for personal gain. Although this might lead to short-term success, it often results in negative consequences such as damaged relationships and loss of trust.
On the other hand, choosing to ‘be kind’ involves using your abilities with empathy and consideration for others. It means sharing knowledge instead of hoarding it; helping others succeed instead of pushing them down; uplifting those around us rather than taking advantage of them.
In today’s world where competition is fierce whether it’s in school, at work or even on social media platforms – this quote serves as an meaningful reminder about ethical conduct. Success achieved by undermining others isn’t truly success—it’s exploitation. A healthier approach would be striving towards creating an environment where everyone can grow together.
From a personal development perspective too this idea holds great value. Being clever might give you temporary victories but being kind helps build strong relationships which are crucial both personally and professionally. Kindness fosters respect from peers and colleagues while also promoting self-growth through empathy and understanding.
So essentially what we learn from this quote is that our actions should not only reflect our intelligence but also our humanity because true wisdom lies not just in being smart but also being good-hearted.
