Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.
R. J. PalacioRead
The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track or even your grade point average - though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you have touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True success is measured by the impact you have on others and how you utilize your time, rather than traditional metrics.
In this quote, R. J. Palacio emphasizes that growth and success should not only be quantified by tangible achievements like physical milestones or academic scores. Instead, he advocates for evaluating success in terms of the meaningful experiences one creates, the relationships fostered, and the positive influence one has on others over time. This perspective encourages individuals to focus on the quality of their life experiences and the contributions they make to the lives of others.
Themes
SuccessGrowthImpactTimeRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be a great addition to a graduation speech, reminding graduates to focus on their contributions to society.
More from R. J. Palacio
All quotes →If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.
R. J. PalacioRead
Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.
R. J. PalacioRead
Whenever there is a conflict between being right and being kind, if possible, choose being kind.
R. J. PalacioRead
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