Be kind Quote by Irwin Edman
“Many of our newly smart would rather be found murdering their children than being kind to their parents. They would prefer to be damned for rudeness than to be snickered at for courtesy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Ethics of Modern Life, 1935
People often choose cruelty over kindness, valuing personal pride above familial respect.
In simple terms: People may prefer harshness to kindness.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of pride versus compassion.
Themes
morality
family
pride
kindness
Mood
reflective
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- parent‑child relationships
- social media interactions
- workplace dynamics
- public discourse
Key Concepts
ethical dilemmas
social behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the preference for harshness?
- Can compassion be seen as strength?
A Different Perspective
Cultural norms may shift values, making kindness seem weak.
