Long checkout lines, two kids and a full cart . . . the lady in front of me saw I had only two items, my dog on a leash and cash in hand. Smiling, she offered to let me go ahead of her, wishing me a good day.
Researchers who synthesized results from 88 experimental studies suggest our acts of kindness and generosity, online or offline, can have meaningful ripple effects in our communities.
“People resonate when they watch someone do something good. The message that these prosocial behaviors are quite contagious is a really important message that people should know,” says Haesung Jung, lead researcher
Source: Mindful, February 17, 2021. Link. People resonate with the underlying reason for doing good and become motivated themselves to spread the goodness. This suggests people are prosocial by nature, waiting for inspiration to act says Jung.
This means that so many things we observe, not just the actions of the people around us but things we see in the media or online, may subtly be influencing our behavior.”
INSIGHTS: Globally, Rotarians use a nonpartisan, nonsectarian ethical guide for their personal and professional relationships. Called the Four-Way Test, it guides things thought, said or done:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?