What Motivates Online Kindness When Meanness is 'Free'?
Content Idea 1: The Unseen Price Tag: Psychological "Costs" of Online Meanness
- Type of Post: "Explain the psychology of...", "What actually motivates..."
- Explanation: While the original post questions the motivation for kindness when meanness seems "cost-free," this idea explores the hidden, internal "costs" to the person perpetrating online meanness. This addresses the underlying curiosity about the full psychological picture of online interactions.
- Viral Potential: High. It offers a counter-intuitive perspective ("meanness isn't actually free") that can generate discussion and shares. People are often interested in understanding the negative consequences for those who act poorly.
- Example Creative Plan:
- Title Options:
- "Is Being Mean Online Really 'Free'? The Hidden Psychological Toll on Trolls"
- "The Self-Inflicted Wounds of Online Hate: What It Costs the Aggressor"
- "ELI5: Why Being a Jerk Online Might Hurt YOU More"
- Format: A short, engaging animated explainer video OR an article/blog post with clear, digestible sections.
- Content Points:
- The Illusion of "No Consequences": Acknowledge the perception of anonymity and lack of immediate real-world backlash.
- Cognitive Dissonance: The mental stress experienced when one's actions (being cruel) conflict with a potential underlying self-perception of being a decent person.
- Normalization of Negativity: How consistently engaging in or observing meanness can warp one's perception of acceptable behavior and increase personal cynicism.
- Erosion of Empathy: Repeatedly dehumanizing others online can diminish one's capacity for empathy in other contexts.
- Impact on Self-Esteem: While some may feel a temporary power trip, long-term engagement in destructive behavior can negatively impact self-worth or reflect underlying insecurities.
- The "Negativity Echo Chamber": How online meanness can reinforce negative thought patterns in the aggressor.
- Conclusion: Being kind isn't just about the recipient; it's also about maintaining one's own psychological well-being.
- Title Options:
- Target Audience: General internet users, especially those active on social media platforms, forums, and comment sections. People who have witnessed or been affected by online negativity and are curious about the mindset of those who perpetuate it. Users interested in psychology and online behavior.
Content Idea 2: The "Helper's High" Goes Digital: Unpacking the Self-Benefit of Online Kindness
- Type of Post: "What actually motivates...", "Explain the psychology of..."
- Explanation: This directly addresses the question of why people are kind online by focusing on the positive psychological and emotional rewards for the person being kind.
- Viral Potential: High. Positive, uplifting content that explains a "feel-good" phenomenon tends to be highly shareable. It also offers a "selfish" reason to be kind, which can be a compelling hook.
- Example Creative Plan:
- Title Options:
- "The Surprising Reason Being Nice Online Feels So Good (It's Science!)"
- "Beyond Altruism: What YOU Gain from Leaving That Positive Comment"
- "ELI5: Why Your Brain Loves It When You're Kind Online"
- Format: A vibrant infographic, a short, upbeat video featuring relatable scenarios, or a listicle-style article.
- Content Points:
- Introduction: The puzzle – why expend energy to be kind to strangers online?
- The Science of "Helper's High": Explain (simply) how acts of kindness can trigger the release of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Boosting Self-Esteem & Self-Perception: Being kind reinforces a positive self-image ("I am a good/helpful person").
- Fostering Connection & Community: Even small positive interactions can reduce feelings of isolation and build a sense of belonging.
- The Power of Positive Reciprocity: Kindness often begets kindness, creating positive feedback loops.
- Reducing Stress & Negative Rumination: Focusing on positive outward actions can be a healthy distraction from personal anxieties.
- Living by Your Values: For many, kindness is a core value, and acting in accordance with it brings internal consistency and peace.
- Title Options:
- Target Audience: General internet users, individuals interested in mental wellness, positive psychology, and self-improvement. Community managers looking to foster positive online environments.
Content Idea 3: Online Social Norms & Identity: Why We Choose Kindness in the Digital Town Square
- Type of Post: "Explain how X works...", "What does X mean for social dynamics?", "Someone can explain..."
- Explanation: This idea explores the role of social norms, even in anonymous or semi-anonymous online spaces, and how our desire to maintain a consistent (often positive) self-identity influences online behavior.
- Viral Potential: Medium to High. It appeals to people's interest in social dynamics and understanding "unwritten rules" of online interaction. It can spark thoughtful discussion.
- Example Creative Plan:
- Title Options:
- "The Unseen Rules: How Social Norms (and Your Identity) Drive Online Kindness"
- "Why We're (Mostly) Civil Online: The Power of Digital Reputation and Self-Concept"
- "Confused About Online Behavior? It's About More Than Just Anonymity"
- Format: A thought-provoking article, a podcast segment with an expert in digital sociology or psychology, or a video essay.
- Content Points:
- Beyond Anonymity: While anonymity can disinhibit, it's not the only factor.
- Internalized Social Norms: We carry offline norms about politeness and decency into online spaces.
- Self-Perception & Identity: People generally want to see themselves as good, kind individuals. Online actions contribute to this self-perception. Being kind aligns with this desired identity.
- Building "Social Capital" (Even Online): Positive interactions can lead to respect, friendship, and influence within online communities.
- Empathy as a Motivator: Many people genuinely empathize with others, even online, and kindness is a natural empathetic response.
- The "Cost" of Deviating from Personal Values: For many, being mean would create internal discomfort or guilt, regardless of external consequences.
- Long-Term vs. Short-Term Thinking: While meanness might offer a fleeting sense of power, kindness contributes to a more positive and sustainable online environment (and personal experience).
- Title Options:
- Target Audience: Users interested in sociology, psychology, digital culture, and ethics. Individuals who participate in online communities and are curious about group dynamics. People who are trying to understand the contrast between extreme online negativity and prevalent online kindness.
Origin Reddit Post
r/trueaskreddit
If being mean online doesn’t “cost” anything, what actually motivates people to be kind?
Posted by u/Valid_Username69•05/27/2025
I just saw a TikTok where two girls—one slim, one overweight—were dancing. As usual, the comments were brutal toward the larger girl. One comment said, “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.”
Top Comments
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/Possible_Mammoth4273
The church teaches from a very young age about being good. And well, internalize that thought. To this day, I do it because I believe it is the right thing to do, so I strive to treat people
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/0nlyhalfjewish
I would argue the cost to the person being mean is pretty high. Holding anger and hatred and spreading it is mentally damaging to both the recipient and the aggressor.
Being nice is win/win
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/0nlyhalfjewish
I would argue the cost to the person being mean is pretty high. Holding anger and hatred and spreading it is mentally damaging to both the recipient and the aggressor.
Being nice is win/win
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/W1nZ1p
Whether we like it or not, we are all connected under the guise of universal consciousness. Because of this, when you attack another person from a place of hate, it's like you're attacking yo
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/Dserved83
I feel bad when I'm mean. It stays with me. I still think about the rare, rare occasions I've been even a little mean, compared to 1000's of forgotten nice ones.
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/0nlyhalfjewish
I would argue the cost to the person being mean is pretty high. Holding anger and hatred and spreading it is mentally damaging to both the recipient and the aggressor.
Being nice is win/win
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/W1nZ1p
Whether we like it or not, we are all connected under the guise of universal consciousness. Because of this, when you attack another person from a place of hate, it's like you're attacking yo
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/0nlyhalfjewish
I would argue the cost to the person being mean is pretty high. Holding anger and hatred and spreading it is mentally damaging to both the recipient and the aggressor.
Being nice is win/win
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/Dserved83
I feel bad when I'm mean. It stays with me. I still think about the rare, rare occasions I've been even a little mean, compared to 1000's of forgotten nice ones.
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/Dserved83
I feel bad when I'm mean. It stays with me. I still think about the rare, rare occasions I've been even a little mean, compared to 1000's of forgotten nice ones.
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/W1nZ1p
Whether we like it or not, we are all connected under the guise of universal consciousness. Because of this, when you attack another person from a place of hate, it's like you're attacking yo
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/Dserved83
I feel bad when I'm mean. It stays with me. I still think about the rare, rare occasions I've been even a little mean, compared to 1000's of forgotten nice ones.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/0nlyhalfjewish
I would argue the cost to the person being mean is pretty high. Holding anger and hatred and spreading it is mentally damaging to both the recipient and the aggressor.
Being nice is win/win
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/Rombom
Jesus knew he would be martyring himself. Whether you are Christian or not, he ultimately gained the adoration of billions for two thousand years through his suffering.
I don't think it is
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/carpenter1965
Yes, actually, I do know what a martyr is. I guess if you take that tack, then Jesus was just stroking himself on the cross. My point is: Why are we putting this purity test on altruism?
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/W1nZ1p
Whether we like it or not, we are all connected under the guise of universal consciousness. Because of this, when you attack another person from a place of hate, it's like you're attacking yo
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/W1nZ1p
Whether we like it or not, we are all connected under the guise of universal consciousness. Because of this, when you attack another person from a place of hate, it's like you're attacking yo
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/Dserved83
I feel bad when I'm mean. It stays with me. I still think about the rare, rare occasions I've been even a little mean, compared to 1000's of forgotten nice ones.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/Shewhomust77
You don’t need a reason to be kind, it’s natural. Pain and anger interfere with the natural state. Being kind makes you happy. Or, if you don’t buy that, there’s the golden rule, which is com
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/laurieb90
I think 'it doesn't cost anything' is not 100% accurate. In reality, it costs you the time it takes to write the message.
Obviously it goes both ways, but the 'free' option is to say nothing
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/RichChocolateDevil
This seems like an ‘if you’re an atheist, why don’t you murder people’ type of question.
I’m kind because I want to be a kind person, not because of any other outside force.
Kind people,
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/taranchilla
I dunno, when i think of people who set out to be mean to others online i imagine they would have to hate themselves to a degree and they’re only bringing others down in an attempt to make th
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/syrluke
I'm not religious, I don't believe in karma, but I'm not cruel, and uncaring. I have a conscience and empathy for others. I do right by others, I help others, and try to be supportive to them
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/ConstellationMark
People are saying that being mean does in fact cost the mean person, which I agree with.
But suppose it doesn’t. I mean, that’s not really the motivation most people have for being kind. Eve
u/buttercuplols
I'm not religious. I was just taught manners. Plus good things do come your way if you're nice. I got some free wool samples the other day just for being friendly to the lady in the shop.
u/[deleted]
[deleted]
u/Rombom
> What about the soldier who falls on a grenade to save his buddies?
Do you know what a martyr is? People can feel good from the idea that they are sacrificing for others.
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/Southern_Committee35
I’ve met some very mean religious people.
Religion has nothing to do with it.
I think it comes down to being a good person or not.
A good person would care about other people.
It would
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/nomorehamsterwheel
It sad when people need motivation to be decent rather than that being their default state. How you act towards someone says more about you than them; how they respond say more about them tha
u/21-characters
Anti social behavior has become very noticeable to me and seems to have really ramped up in the last couple years. I used to laugh that it was 2024 and I couldn’t expect much and now here’s 2
u/_les_vegetables_
I feel very neutral about the statement as I believe I read it in a philosophical context that was not cynical *shrug*. I don’t know who said it first or if I read someone’s own interpretatio
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/SansLucidity
are you kiding? theres plenty of documentation on how mean/cruel behavior has serious physical, mental & emotional consequences:
[effects of mean behavior](https://psycnet.apa.org/fullte
u/00rb
If you're cruel, other people will be cruel in response to you out of fairness. Even if you remain completely anonymous, some of the cruelty will become visible to others.
But even if that w
u/C34H32N4O4Fe
Conscience. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and to more or less sleep at night (fuck insomnia).
Not religious here in the least. But I would feel ashamed and guilty if I were grat
u/bi_polar2bear
Being kind is a character trait. People become untrusting of others and become mean to keep others at arms length. Being kind means being vulnerable and exposed, willing to take a risk for a
u/carpenter1965
I think whoever came up with this " Nothing truly Altruistic" argument was a cynical asshole. Why does there have to be a purity test on helping people. What about the soldier who falls on
u/_les_vegetables_
I guess maybe (?) it’s true that there is nothing truly altruistic. It feels great for someone to be kind to you and it’s easy to be kind to others, but also feels good.
Also, I never want
u/cochlearist
Interesting question.
I'd hate myself for doing that, I'm not religious, I sort of think there's something to karma, but it doesn't work as simply as people like to think.
u/scartol
Karma is my boyfriend. Karma is a cat purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.
u/GiveMeNews
Well, I follow existentialism, which is a philosophy, not a religion, that all actions direct and define the moral balance in the universe. Want to live in a world that is gentler and more ac