In my opinion, the key towards making Singapore a more gracious and better place to live in is Kindness.
Kindness comes in many different ways. In my view, it comes in four different ways. Being friendly can be an act for kindness. When you are friendly towards people, the people around you will be encouraged. Since they are encouraged, they will do good things to you. As a result, both parties are happy. The benefit of being friendly does not stop here. When you are happy, in the process of getting happy, you will make more friends along the way.
Being forgiving is another form of Kindness. When you do something wrong. Would you seek forgiveness from others and vice-verse? When others commit a mistake, they would want the forgiveness from you too. Being forgiveness not only shows that you are kind but it shows that you are noble too. Being in a position to forgive people is a gift from god. Start spreading the art of forgiving to others and make everyone noble.
The third way of showing kindness will be understanding one another. Singapore is a multi-racial society. If there is a lack of understanding, it will create chaos and disrupt the harmony of the country. We should understand each other and respect one another, respecting their culture, belief and language. If understanding is practiced properly, it will further enhance the relationship between people and foster stronger bonds with each other.
Lastly, the fourth act of kindness will be selflessness. Singapore is our homeland, this is where we belong. It is a common space that we all share. If was are self-centered, we may refuse to help. What do you think Singapore will become ? If Singaporeans practice selflessness, I believe it will be a better place to stay in. Imagine in all corners of Singapore, when you need help from people, you can find a helping hand all around the country. It is a good sign.
Hence, if Singaporeans master the different acts of Kindness, then Kindness is no longer an act; it is a habit. I strongly believe that his will help in making Singapore a more gracious and better place to live in.
Extracted from,
WRSS 2009 EL Preliminary Paper 1 .
Copyrighted by,
Jeremy Ang.
xD
