--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The magic in this world seems to work in…" description: "\"The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.\" — Charles de Lint" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png" --- # The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and… ![“The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.” quote by Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png) > “The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.” [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Small, gentle actions and quiet moments are the true drivers of positive change in the world. **In simple terms:** Kindness works softly but powerfully. Key Takeaway Quiet acts create magic. Themes kindness subtlety hope humanity Mood warm inspirational Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - helping a stranger - leaving a kind note - volunteering briefly - practicing active listening Key Concepts micro‑interventions social impact Practical Applications - practice daily small gestures - create environments that encourage quiet generosity Questions to Reflect On - When have you felt a small act change a situation? - Can quiet kindness outweigh loud activism? A Different Perspective Large systemic issues often need more than isolated kindnesses. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Kindness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kindness/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Magic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magic/) [Small kindnesses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-kindnesses/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [It's all a matter of paying attention, being awake in the present moment, and not expecting a huge payoff. The magic in this world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/it-s-all-a-matter-of-paying-attention-being-awake-in-the-present/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [“Small kindnesses win the hearts of wounded people”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-j-mccarthy/small-kindnesses-win-the-hearts-of-wounded-people/) Kevin J. McCarthy > [Human beings who leave behind them no great achievements, but only a series of small kindnesses, have not had wasted lives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlotte-gray/human-beings-who-leave-behind-them-no-great-achievements-but-only-a/) [Charlotte Gray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlotte-gray/) > [“the most unlikely people can become saviours in dark times, and the small kindnesses they offer can matter like life and death.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emma-garcia/the-most-unlikely-people-can-become-saviours-in-dark-times-and-the/) Emma Garcia > [Small kindnesses often, unintentionally, produce the biggest payoffs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-paul-evans/small-kindnesses-often-unintentionally-produce-the-biggest-payoffs/) [Richard Paul Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-paul-evans/) > [“I may not be able to cure cancer or end world hunger, but small kindnesses go a long way.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-silvera/i-may-not-be-able-to-cure-cancer-or-end-world-hunger-but-small/) [Adam Silvera](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-silvera/) > [“Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacqueline-whitmore/small-kindnesses-small-courtesies-small-considerations-habitually-2/) Jacqueline Whitmore > [How easily we ignore or forget the small kindnesses and considerations in life which are really the only everyday magic we witness on a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-carroll/how-easily-we-ignore-or-forget-the-small-kindnesses-and/) [Jonathan Carroll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-carroll/) > [“You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-have-to-look-for-the-little-mercies-the-small-kindnesses-and-good/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practised in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-a-kelty/small-kindnesses-small-courtesies-small-considerations-habitually/) M.A.Kelty > [I am reminded of the importance of small kindnesses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kay-redfield-jamison/i-am-reminded-of-the-importance-of-small-kindnesses/) [Kay Redfield Jamison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kay-redfield-jamison/) > [If you set out to do a good deed, you may do a hundred small kindnesses on the way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-doudney/if-you-set-out-to-do-a-good-deed-you-may-do-a-hundred-small/) [Sarah Doudney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-doudney/) > [It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-louis-stevenson/it-is-the-history-of-our-kindnesses-that-alone-make-this-world/) [Robert Louis Stevenson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-louis-stevenson/) > [Yet still there whispers the small voice within, Heard through Gain's silence, and o'er Glory's din; Whatever creed be taught or land be trod,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-byron/yet-still-there-whispers-the-small-voice-within-heard-through-gain-s/) [Lord Byron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-byron/) > [“At a certain level housekeeping is a regime of small kindnesses, which, taken together, make the world salubrious, savory, and warm.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilynne-robinson/at-a-certain-level-housekeeping-is-a-regime-of-small-kindnesses-which/) [Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilynne-robinson/) ## More by Charles de Lint > [The family we choose for ourselves is more important than the one we were born into; that people have to earn our respect and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-family-we-choose-for-ourselves-is-more-important-than-the-one-we/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [Every time you do a good deed you shine the light a little farther into the dark. And the thing is, when you're gone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/every-time-you-do-a-good-deed-you-shine-the-light-a-little-farther/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-road-leading-to-a-goal-does-not-separate-you-from-the-destination/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [“Maybe she couldn’t go. Maybe she wanted him to stay. But she knew enough not to try to hold him back if he had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/maybe-she-couldn-t-go-maybe-she-wanted-him-to-stay-but-she-knew/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [You can take the woman outta the trash, but you can't take the trash out a the woman.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/you-can-take-the-woman-outta-the-trash-but-you-can-t-take-the-trash/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [“You hear this kind of thing, rednecks and their guys and--" "Don't call them that," I say. "They're just assholes. Most people you run…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/you-hear-this-kind-of-thing-rednecks-and-their-guys-and-don-t-call/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [Fortune-telling doesn't reveal the future; it mirrors the present. It resonates against what your subconscious already knows and hauls it up out of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/fortune-telling-doesn-t-reveal-the-future-it-mirrors-the-present-it/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [When you're touched by magic, nothing's ever quite the same again. What really makes me sad is all those people who never have the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/when-you-re-touched-by-magic-nothing-s-ever-quite-the-same-again-what/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [There are few joys to compare with the telling of a well-told tale.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/there-are-few-joys-to-compare-with-the-telling-of-a-well-told-tale/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [How hard would it be to ask children what they see in their heads? How big should the house be in comparison to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/how-hard-would-it-be-to-ask-children-what-they-see-in-their-heads-how/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [... we chase after ghosts and spirits and are left holding only memories and dreams. It's not that we want what we can't have;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/we-chase-after-ghosts-and-spirits-and-are-left-holding-only-memories/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [Writing music uses a whole different process that involves a lot of noodling and just seeing what comes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/writing-music-uses-a-whole-different-process-that-involves-a-lot-of/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [The real problem is, people think life is a ladder, and it's really a wheel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-real-problem-is-people-think-life-is-a-ladder-and-it-s-really-a/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [Tattoos...are the stories in your heart, written on your skin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/tattoos-are-the-stories-in-your-heart-written-on-your-skin/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) > [There were two forests for every one you entered. There was the one you walked in, the physical echo, and then there was the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/there-were-two-forests-for-every-one-you-entered-there-was-the-one/) [Charles de Lint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) [Explore all 237 Charles de Lint quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/) ## More Kindness quotes > [Half the misery of human life might be extinguished if men would alleviate the general curse they lie under by mutual offices of compassion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/half-the-misery-of-human-life-might-be-extinguished-if-men-would/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Each of our acts makes a statement as to our purpose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-buscaglia/each-of-our-acts-makes-a-statement-as-to-our-purpose/) [Leo Buscaglia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-buscaglia/) > [“I fight with love and kindness as my weapons and compassion as my defense.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debasish-mridha/i-fight-with-love-and-kindness-as-my-weapons-and-compassion-as-my/) [Debasish Mridha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debasish-mridha/) > [Liesel observed the strangeness of her foster father's eyes. They were made of kindness, and silver.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-zusak/liesel-observed-the-strangeness-of-her-foster-father-s-eyes-they-were/) [Markus Zusak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/markus-zusak/) > [Kindness unlocks doors that were thought to be closed forever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/unkown/kindness-unlocks-doors-that-were-thought-to-be-closed-forever/) Unkown > [“You are very kind and very intelligent and those elements are not always found together. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, and my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/you-are-very-kind-and-very-intelligent-and-those-elements-are-not/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [Grace is the wonderful spirit that imbues every fiber of our being when we practice the fruits of the spirit: kindness, patience, understanding, forgiveness,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-cayce/grace-is-the-wonderful-spirit-that-imbues-every-fiber-of-our-being/) [Edgar Cayce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-cayce/) > [Praise will come to those whose kindness leaves you without debt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-finn/praise-will-come-to-those-whose-kindness-leaves-you-without-debt/) [Neil Finn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-finn/) > [“A little bit of kindness goes a long way with women.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-unsworth/a-little-bit-of-kindness-goes-a-long-way-with-women/) [Barry Unsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-unsworth/) > [The smartest people are the ones who can bring a little bit of heaven to earth by using there kindness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isiahnunn/the-smartest-people-are-the-ones-who-can-bring-a-little-bit-of-heaven/) IsiahNunn > [If you take all the food aid, America is by far the most generous country. If you take the direct aid, we're very generous.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/if-you-take-all-the-food-aid-america-is-by-far-the-most-generous/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [“No one has any right to tell you that the way you perceive yourself is wrong. Because by doing so, they also discourage the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamand-kojouri/no-one-has-any-right-to-tell-you-that-the-way-you-perceive-yourself/) [Kamand Kojouri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamand-kojouri/) > [“la ilaha ilallah muhammadun rasulullah, alaihi salatullah wa alihi wal ahibba "shine your mercy like the sun, and be gracious as the earth let…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/talib-al-habib/la-ilaha-ilallah-muhammadun-rasulullah-alaihi-salatullah-wa-alihi-wal/) Talib al Habib > [“A man full of warm, speculative benevolence may wish his society otherwise constituted than he finds it; but a good patriot, and a true…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/a-man-full-of-warm-speculative-benevolence-may-wish-his-society/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) > [(I)f we are going to be kind, let it be out of simple generosity, not because we fear guilt or retribution.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-f-we-are-going-to-be-kind-let-it-be-out-of-simple-generosity-not/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Browse all 6,600 Kindness quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kindness/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Charles de Lint" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in-whispers-and-small-kindnesses/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Kindness" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in-whispers-and-small-kindnesses/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73e/charles-de-lint-1481_kindness_the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in_97522.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.” — Charles de Lint", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Charles de Lint", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-lint/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The magic in this world seems...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in-whispers-and-small-kindnesses/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-lint/the-magic-in-this-world-seems-to-work-in-whispers-and-small-kindnesses/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```