The Power of Human Kindness

There is a researcher named Rutger Bregman who wrote a book titled Humankind. In it, he sets out to prove that humans are wired for kindness and cooperation. He also thinks we are more inclined to trust rather than distrust one another. Bregman's theory is based on his analysis of research dating back some 200,000 years.
 

In this cynical world we live in, he claims that one of the factors in not seeing the good in someone is due to the news and sensationalizing situations, which skews our view of human nature. I actually think there might be some truth to this. All one needs to do is watch the news to see that the world is falling apart!

It is proven that individual acts of kindness release both endorphins and oxytocin and create new neural connections in the brain. Therefore, being kind actually makes you a happier human.

Let me introduce you to someone you may see around campus who exhibits the power of human kindness!

Skip Darrell moved to Florida after a 51-year teaching career at the St. Paul's School in Maryland. It just so happens that he was a colleague of our own, Mr. MacMullan, when he was at St. Paul's. When Skip inquired about possibly helping tutor our students in math (for free!), Mr. MacMullan jumped at the opportunity, given that Mr. Darrell is a legend in the St. Paul's community, having successfully worked with students for over five decades.

I had an opportunity to sit down with Skip and found him to be a kind, generous and wonderful person. He told me, "In life, you can't push a rope; life is about relationships." He told me that students would say to him they didn't like school until they had his class. He is the epitome of an educator.

He mentioned to one of our Saint Edward's students he was working with one day, "Why do you think I ride my bike 15 miles one way to Saint Edward's to work with you and then ride 15 miles back to my home?" The student responded, "You want to see me succeed?" Of course, this is the case, but as Skip mentioned, he also gets something out of his volunteer work. He has a purpose, and because of his kindness, he is actually a happier person. A true win-win in any book!

If you see Skip on campus, introduce yourself and say hello. You will see what I mean!

I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Stuart