Kindness
"I am helpful and empathic and regularly do nice favors for others without expecting anything in return."
Become Aware Of Your Strength
What is Kindness?
Simply put, kindness is being nice to others. As you examine kindness further, a number of important dimensions begin to unfold. Kindness is being generous with others, giving your time, money, and talent to support those who are in need. Kindness is being compassionate, which means to really be there for someone, listening intently to their suffering or just sitting with them and silently supporting them. Such compassion involves a deep concern for the welfare of others. Kindness is also being nurturing and caring to others — to enjoy doing favors for them, to take care of them, and to perform good deeds.
Kind individuals believe that others are worthy of attention and affirmation for their own sake as human beings, not out of a sense of duty or principle. There are three traits of altruistic personalities:
Empathy/sympathy
Moral reasoning
Social responsibility
Kindness is a strength within the virtue category of humanity, one of six virtues that subcategorize the 24 strengths. Humanity describes strengths that manifest in caring relationships with others. These strengths are interpersonal and are mostly relevant in one-on-one relationships. The other strengths in Humanity are kindness, love, and social intelligence.
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Where does kindness appear in your character strengths profile?
Research findings on the benefits of the strength of kindness found people who give to others, in small and in large ways, tend to be happier as a result. Kind people are often likable to others, which can provide opportunities to develop meaningful relationships and love. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other signature strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Kindness
- What is the character strength of kindness?
Kindness is a character strength within the virtue of Humanity. It involves being generous, compassionate, and considerate toward others. People high in kindness regularly do good deeds and offer support without expecting anything in return.
- How is kindness different from being nice?
Being nice can be surface-level or situational, while kindness as a character strength is deeper and more consistent. Kindness comes from a genuine desire to help others and is rooted in empathy, moral reasoning, and social responsibility.
- Can I develop the strength of kindness?
Yes. Like all character strengths, kindness can be cultivated. Practicing small acts of generosity, being present for others, and reflecting on how you care for those around you can help you strengthen this quality over time.
- Why is kindness considered a strength?
Kindness promotes positive relationships, emotional well-being, and a sense of purpose. People who regularly use their strength of kindness tend to feel happier, more connected, and more fulfilled.
- How does kindness appear in the VIA Character Strengths Profile?
Kindness is one of the 24 strengths measured in the VIA character strengths report. If it ranks highly for you, it likely means that you regularly express warmth, generosity, and a willingness to help others. If it ranks lower, it doesn’t mean you’re unkind—it simply may not be a dominant strength right now.
- What are examples of kindness in everyday life?
Everyday kindness might include helping a coworker, listening to a friend in need, volunteering your time, offering a compliment, or simply showing patience when someone is struggling.