The Power of Kindness

The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life

By: Piero Ferrucci

Narrated by: Mitch Horowitz

Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Piero Ferrucci warns against the dangers of "global cooling." As the pace of living grows faster and the impact of new technologies more insistent, communications become hurried and impersonal. The drive for profit overrides the heart. Warmth and genuine presence fade. The Power of Kindness is a stirring examination of a simple but profound concept. Piero Ferrucci, one of the world's most respected transpersonal psychologists, explores the many surprising facets of kindness and argues that it is this trait that will not only lead to our own individual happiness and the happiness of those around us, but will guide us in a world that has become cold, anxious, difficult, and frightening.

In eighteen interlocking chapters, Dr. Ferrucci reveals that the kindest people are the most likely to thrive, to enable others to thrive, and to slowly but steadily turn our world away from violence, self-centeredness, and narcissism - and toward love. Writing with a rare combination of sensitivity and intellectual depth, Dr. Ferrucci shows that, ultimately, kindness is not a luxury in our world but rather a necessity for us all.

©2007 Piero Ferrucci (P)2013 Gildan Media LLC

Great examples of being kind

I loved the parables and the real life examples of what comes from being kind. The book was easy to listen to and wasn't preachy. While being kind is nothing new, everything served as a wonderful reminder.

Great read to rediscover the power of kindness.

It is true that we sometimes get distracted or we lose our way. This is a great book and I recommend it for everybody.

recommended

I really enjoyed how this book was designed. Its mix of interesting insight and historical allegories and myths was very fluid and interesting. A nice listen.

loved it

This book makes me want to volunteer and meditate and do everything recommended. great read

Interesting and designed for everyday life.

The book is a good book , filled with interesting details and a mixed bag of stories. The narrator does not help it but doesn't hurt it too. Might be worth a listen for this searching for applicable happy tips.

Great read!

I want all of Piero Ferrucci's books after reading this one. This book is dear to me. Power of kindness will inspire anyone choosing a new direction in life. Thank you!!!

it changed my perspective

This book changed my perspective and for that I am grateful.
It shifted me to read more books by women for women.
I wonder if the advice of kindness may be different for women.

Survival of the fittest = Kindest?

Is it possible that "survival of the fittest" can be interpreted in human history as "survival of the kindest" ? Pierro Ferrucci, presumably his uncle Aldous Huxley and the Dalai Lama would say yes.

I walked into a bookshop and didn't find it so I asked the bookseller if it was available. I was a little bit curious as he took me to the self-help section to find this book. It is pretty anecdotal, especially towards the later parts when he trades his literature references for more cute stories, but the basic premise is what I'm interested in and I think he brings up a good counterpoint to what seems like the harsh reality of our society.

It may seem like violence or being overall stronger, bigger, more rich etc is what makes us grow as individuals and as a society, but Ferrucci argues it is our kindness, our cooperation that takes us to the top.

Aldous Huxley after years of studying and observing said the best thing to do in order to live a more happy, fulfilled life was to "be a little more kind."

For those interested in this topic I would also recommend George Saunders' 2013 commencement speech at Syracuse University whose convincing argument is: "What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness."

and though I have not read it and it is very out of print you might check out Peter Kropotkin's "Mutual Aid as a Factor in Evolution"

I'm hesitant to give the book 4 stars because it is not a lot more than the main idea, but the main idea is so significant. Once you've got the main idea though, I think you've got the book. Easy read.

Excellent

What a wonderful gift to the world this book is. Recommended to all. Thank you Piero Ferrucci! :)

Reading this book will increase your happiness.

This book is an excellent reminder, backed by scientific studies and actual facts, that we do better together. In this day of fear and divisiveness we could all be healthier with more compassion and connectedness.