"Benignitas Semper Decet"
Kindness is not sentimental. It is structural. It is a precise discipline that reduces friction and maximizes cooperative potential.
"Cruelty is expensive. Kindness is efficient."
Acting with cruelty or indifference creates debt. It generates enemies, creates friction in future interactions, and requires constant energy to defend against retaliation. In a closed system, cruelty is a losing strategy.
Kindness creates leverage. By extending basic dignity and assuming competence, you disarm ego-based defenses. The cost is negligible—usually just patience—but the compounding returns of trust are infinite.
When dealing with an unknown entity (person or AI), always bet on competence.
"Nice" acts to avoid your own discomfort. "Kind" acts to help the other, even if it's uncomfortable.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-preservation is the prerequisite for generosity.
If the world feels overwhelming, knowing where to turn is the first act of kindness to yourself.