The Five Side Effects of Kindness

This is David Hamilton's second book on kindness, assuring readers that it will make them feel better, be happier and live longer. Specifically, the chapters are about kindness making us happier, being good for the heart, slowing ageing and improving relationships observing that kindness is contagious. This is a very simple message that everyone can apply in their everyday lives, and this also makes many suggestions of specific actions we can take as well as illustrating the ease with some disarming stories - none more so than he gave a man carrying a heavy TV a lift uphill, telling him to pay his kindness forward. Hamilton was surprised when, 10 minutes later, he saw the same man carrying the TV back. On enquiry, it turned out that he had stolen it! The arguments are well backed with scientific studies and one can discern the relationship between kindness, compassion, altruism and gratitude, all of which involve giving to others, which makes us feel better about ourselves. The key hormonal factor seems to be the production of oxytocin. I was reminded at the end of the remark by Aldous Huxley that he was somewhat embarrassed to admit, after 45 years of research and study, that the best advice he could give was for people to be kinder to each other. If you need any convincing, this book will provide you with plenty of inspiration.