#Human Kindness

Progress Measured by Warmth, Not Distance

Though commonly attributed to Marcus Aurelius, no extant passage in Meditations contains this wording. Still, the sentiment harmonizes with his Stoic ethic: “Kindness is invincible, if it’s sincere” (Meditations 11.18, tr. Hays, 2002) and “What is not good for the hive is not good for the bee” (6.54). During crisis, he prioritized the common good, reportedly auctioning palace furnishings to support public needs (Cassius Dio, Roman History 73.16). In this light, warmth becomes a civic virtue: the Stoic ruler—and citizen—measures progress by benefits conferred, not personal miles logged. [...]

You May Be Surprised to Find That the World Is Not So Cruel - A. C. Grayling

A. C. Grayling, as a philosopher, often delves into themes of human nature and life’s complexities. This statement reflects his intellectual pursuit of understanding challenges in a broader and positive light. [...]