'Pay it forward' way to promote graciousness

'Pay it forward' way to promote graciousness

The article, "The science of 'paying it forward' " (March 22), affirms what the Singapore Kindness Movement has been promoting - that is, "a nation of kindness starts with one" and that you and I can "pay it forward".

Indeed, I am very encouraged by the ground-up movements started by young people, who are spreading kindness in a variety of ways.

These are examples of individual initiatives that have grown into small kindness movements that are making a difference in society.

I spoke to the leadership of my Rotary Club about initiating a "pay it forward" effort of our own. While the club is known for its charitable and philanthropic contributions, we also want to help encourage a kinder and more gracious culture through creating ample opportunities to "pay it forward".

The science is straightforward enough. We will endeavour to remind one another to be kind by promoting the following messages: "Received a kind act? Pay it forward!" and "Thank you for your kindness. It was appreciated".

If we all start responding to those two simple messages each day, we will become an even kinder and more gracious society.

Terence Ng


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