A Small Act of Kindness Can Change the World

Over the past decades, neuroscientists, psychologists, and social ecologists have opened a new field of study based on the act of kindness. Watching acts of care increases oxytocin – one of the brain’s four ‘feel-good’ hormones. A motivational speaker, Simon Sinek, puts it well: “Oxytocin is responsible for all the warm and fuzzies, unicorns and rainbows – it’s responsible for all the warm feelings and connectedness we have with each other: friendship, love. Huge amounts of oxytocin surge through a woman’s body as she gives birth. This is what is responsible for the mother child bond. Oxytocin binds human beings.”

The science of kindness, as it is sometimes called, shares with all humanity a goal of healing a divided world. Scientists in this field have discovered a remarkable link between empathy and oxytocin in the brain and blood. Research shows that small acts of kindness – a few kind words, a moment of understanding, a simple gesture of support – can help dissolve stereotypes and soften even deep social divides. Kevin Jones, the lead artist and co-creator of the nonprofit The August Wilson Red Door Project, uses art and theater to foster understanding within racial and social ecosystems. “If we’re gonna survive and ultimately solve the myriad of problems that we face today, we must be willing to move toward each other, even when we profoundly disagree.”

Numerous studies in social ecology confirm that even small acts of connection can spark real and lasting change. Studies show that in times of climate despair, people who take action feel more hope and purpose. Planting trees, cleaning beaches, and showing kindness to animal-people all ripple outward. And we can begin today.