Kindliness pays off in the end

Kind people are rare to find these days. The world seems too busy and self-absorbed to leave room for old fashioned courtesy.
All the more I appreciate the rare small kindness you sometimes encounter - a friendly Good Morning from the security guard across the street, a compliment from the market vendor or a beaming smile from Tim, the extraordinarily obliging public transport officer who writes encouraging messages on the billboard...

Politeness and consideration has paid off for some French. In France a 86 year old lady left her fortune to 200 acquaintances who have treated her friendly some day. The personal charm of pharmacists, bus drivers, bakers and butchers, postmen and nurses helped her to make her ordinary life more enjoyable. As a sign of appreciation they now share her €280.000 fortune. Some of the surprised heirs have last seen the lady 24 years ago and were hardly familiar with her name. For those who could not remember her, she specifically mentions in the testament that she was the old lady with the white rain coat and the two white walking sticks.

A nice story that hopefully advocates kindness and values in our society - even without the prospects of inheritance. It would make life so much more pleasant!

A man sees red

Chris de Burgh might not be right down my alley when it comes to music, but I have to admit, he writes brilliant letters: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0911/1224254268225.html

Yes, it is iconic!