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The Keys to Kindness: How to be Kinder to Yourself, Others and the World
Kindness can be your super-power. It feels good to be kind to others. And it feels good to receive kindness. Making the world better, in however small a way, feels good and does good. Did you know kinder bosses are more successful bosses? That paying it forward can help build a purpose-driven life? Being kind strengthens relationships. Acts of kindness, whether given or received, improve our mental and physical health.
Drawing on the latest research from psychology and neuroscience, and her work in collaboration with the University of Sussex and the BBC, Claudia Hammond sets out a prescription for a kinder life that you can adapt to your own circumstances, and explains how to use this guidance for ourselves, others and the world.
It’s time for a kindness revolution.
Drawing on the latest research from psychology and neuroscience, and her work in collaboration with the University of Sussex and the BBC, Claudia Hammond sets out a prescription for a kinder life that you can adapt to your own circumstances, and explains how to use this guidance for ourselves, others and the world.
It’s time for a kindness revolution.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
49 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Hammond
13 books91 followersClaudia is an award-winning broadcaster, writer and psychology lecturer. She is the presenter of All in the Mind & Mind Changers on BBC Radio 4 and Health Check on BBC World Service Radio and BBC World News TV. She is a columnist for BBC.com and regularly appears on Impact on BBC World News to discuss research in psychology. Claudia is on the part-time faculty at Boston University's London base where she lectures in health and social psychology. She is an Associate Director of Hubbub - a 22 month residency examining the topic of rest at Wellcome Collection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 26, 2023
4.5 Stars 🌟
‘It would be easy to dismiss a book about kindness as slushy, sentimental and lacking in rigour, but the opposite is true’
It felt a little odd, picking up a book about something I thought so basic as kindness. And I was right, in a way, kindness is basic, but that’s what makes it so important and it’s potential so expansive.
Far from what could have potentially been a sentimental cheese-fest, this book draws on scientific research to offer a tangible, practical and no-nonsense perspective on kindness. Further, it explores the ways in which it’s different forms can be incorporated into the very building blocks of our lives, with measurable benefits up for grabs, not only for those to whom we show said kindness but also for ourselves.
Despite its practicality, it is also a book brimming with possibilities and positivity and left my faith in humanity in a state of steady restoration. I felt both empowered and inspired, my eyes, heart and fingers itching to see, recognise and spread some more kindness in the world immediately.
To whoever is reading this, I hope some kindness finds you today!
‘It would be easy to dismiss a book about kindness as slushy, sentimental and lacking in rigour, but the opposite is true’
It felt a little odd, picking up a book about something I thought so basic as kindness. And I was right, in a way, kindness is basic, but that’s what makes it so important and it’s potential so expansive.
Far from what could have potentially been a sentimental cheese-fest, this book draws on scientific research to offer a tangible, practical and no-nonsense perspective on kindness. Further, it explores the ways in which it’s different forms can be incorporated into the very building blocks of our lives, with measurable benefits up for grabs, not only for those to whom we show said kindness but also for ourselves.
Despite its practicality, it is also a book brimming with possibilities and positivity and left my faith in humanity in a state of steady restoration. I felt both empowered and inspired, my eyes, heart and fingers itching to see, recognise and spread some more kindness in the world immediately.
To whoever is reading this, I hope some kindness finds you today!
December 10, 2022
This was absolutely brilliant - couldnt have read it at a better time too. If you’re looking for a non-fiction pick me up this Christmas or if you’re scared by what seems to be the state of the world right now, please read this 💛
March 15, 2023
A very reassuring and informative read!! Who knew how big a field of scientific research kindness is?!
September 30, 2023
This book is so gently written and lovely to read.
June 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was interesting the different perspectives Claudia took, and how she laid the book out.
April 23, 2025
A helpful, science-based exploration of kindness that genuinely inspired me to be gentler with others and with myself.
Read
September 1, 2023In a world where it seems too often people are looking out for number one, which turns out to be themselves, something so basic as kindness often appears a forgotten art. Time and time again we hear about our inhumanities to one another, so many refusing to take a few moments out of their day to offer a touch of kindness to an acquaintance or even a perfect stranger.
Claudia Hammond, the popular host of of BBC’s Radio program, All In The Mind, takes an in-depth look at the world of kindness. THE KEYS TO KINDNESS is not overly technical. It is down to basics, and actually informs us that we are kinder than we think. But she adds there is still room to be even kinder than that.
There are as many facts as fallacies about kindness, and those who show it or may not show it. There is a fallacy that younger children and even teenagers may not have the ability to show kindness. In the book, she disputes that claim, even presenting tests that were done involving children and teens. Young children were more prone to help others than simply themselves, when trying to complete a task. It really takes so little of one’s time to show a little kindness, and that is what the author is emphasizing.
Hammond was responsible for creating The Kindness Test, which was an online questionnaire with a variety of responses. She found that the top five ways people mentioned they were kind, included “I help people when they ask, I don’t mind doing favours for friends, I open doors to let people through, I help strangers pick up things they have dropped, I have concerned feeling for people less fortunate than me.”
Thanks to this Kindness Test, the author got a precise overview of ways people showed that bit of kindness. But she also focuses on overdoing kindness, citing social media and the penchant for people to grab the spotlight because of an altruistic deed. Was it done out of the goodness of their heart, or the publicity they receive? And she also studies whether people were being nice or kind. Are they compatible or is there a line drawn?
Throughout the book, Hammond talks about The Last Kind Act Received, people mentioning a variety of situations when completing The Kindness Test. Some were basic and some rather suspect. One person said, “I told my wife I loved her.” Now is that kindness or something that should come naturally? Another like “My grown-up children walked at my pace,” seems more courtesy than kindness.
But the book still offers feel good moments, of people going above and beyond the proverbial call of duty, doing little things that mean a big world of difference.
Claudia Hammond, the popular host of of BBC’s Radio program, All In The Mind, takes an in-depth look at the world of kindness. THE KEYS TO KINDNESS is not overly technical. It is down to basics, and actually informs us that we are kinder than we think. But she adds there is still room to be even kinder than that.
There are as many facts as fallacies about kindness, and those who show it or may not show it. There is a fallacy that younger children and even teenagers may not have the ability to show kindness. In the book, she disputes that claim, even presenting tests that were done involving children and teens. Young children were more prone to help others than simply themselves, when trying to complete a task. It really takes so little of one’s time to show a little kindness, and that is what the author is emphasizing.
Hammond was responsible for creating The Kindness Test, which was an online questionnaire with a variety of responses. She found that the top five ways people mentioned they were kind, included “I help people when they ask, I don’t mind doing favours for friends, I open doors to let people through, I help strangers pick up things they have dropped, I have concerned feeling for people less fortunate than me.”
Thanks to this Kindness Test, the author got a precise overview of ways people showed that bit of kindness. But she also focuses on overdoing kindness, citing social media and the penchant for people to grab the spotlight because of an altruistic deed. Was it done out of the goodness of their heart, or the publicity they receive? And she also studies whether people were being nice or kind. Are they compatible or is there a line drawn?
Throughout the book, Hammond talks about The Last Kind Act Received, people mentioning a variety of situations when completing The Kindness Test. Some were basic and some rather suspect. One person said, “I told my wife I loved her.” Now is that kindness or something that should come naturally? Another like “My grown-up children walked at my pace,” seems more courtesy than kindness.
But the book still offers feel good moments, of people going above and beyond the proverbial call of duty, doing little things that mean a big world of difference.
March 10, 2024
Ik zag dit boek in mijn mail in een nieuwsbrief langskomen en direct was mijn interesse gewekt. Ik ben dol op non-fictie en persoonlijke ontwikkeling. Aangezien ik zelf heel bewust bezig ben met compassievol leven en dankbaarheid, denk ik dat dit boek een mooie aanvulling gaat zijn en me hopelijk veel nieuwe inzichten, kennis en inspiratie gaat bieden.
Claudia Hammond overtuigt ons in dit boek met haar pleidooi voor vriendelijkheid. Haar verhaal toont verrassende lessen en ze onderbouwt haar verhaal met wetenschappelijke onderzoeken. Claudia Hammond laat je zien wat de kracht is van vriendelijkheid, hoe we zelf vriendelijker kunnen zijn voor onszelf en anderen en welke voordelen dit biedt. In zeven tegendraadse lessen, laat ze zien dat de wereld meer vriendelijkheid is dan we denken en dat we door vriendelijk te handelen je beter gaat voelen en je meer wint. Claudia Hammond baseert haar pleidooi op haar onderzoek aan de University of Sussex, waar ze het grootste wetenschappelijke onderzoek naar vriendelijkheid ter wereld deed.
Claudia Hammond heeft een hele toegankelijke, vlotte en heldere schrijfstijl. Hierdoor leest haar verhaal gemakkelijk weg en is alle informatie die haar pleidooi biedt goed te begrijpen en te volgen. Het verhaal is opgebouwd uit zeven lessen waarin ze vriendelijkheid op verschillende vlakken van het leven onder de loep neemt.
Iedere les is opgebouwd uit voorbeelden, wetenschappelijke onderzoeken, maar ze deelt ook haar eigen kennis en inzichten en ze deelt tips en handvatten hoe je deze stappen van vriendelijkheid ook in je eigen leven kan inzetten. Haar verhaal heeft hele verrassende inzichten die je echt aan het denken zetten. Daarbij vind ik het erg goed dat Claudia Hammond een breed onderzoek heeft gehouden en ook heeft gekeken in of leefstijl, leeftijd en geslacht een verschil brengen in vriendelijkheid. Ik was bijvoorbeeld bijzonder verrast door de vriendelijkheid van kleuters in haar onderzoek.
De kracht van vriendelijkheid is een inspirerend, leerzaam en mooi boek. Claudia Hammond heeft me op heldere en toegankelijke wijze onderzoeken getoond en daarbij goed onderbouwd wat de kracht is van vriendelijkheid over onszelf maar ook voor anderen. Het boek heeft me zeker geïnspireerd om met meer vriendelijkheid en compassie door het leven te gaan. Erg mooi!
Claudia Hammond overtuigt ons in dit boek met haar pleidooi voor vriendelijkheid. Haar verhaal toont verrassende lessen en ze onderbouwt haar verhaal met wetenschappelijke onderzoeken. Claudia Hammond laat je zien wat de kracht is van vriendelijkheid, hoe we zelf vriendelijker kunnen zijn voor onszelf en anderen en welke voordelen dit biedt. In zeven tegendraadse lessen, laat ze zien dat de wereld meer vriendelijkheid is dan we denken en dat we door vriendelijk te handelen je beter gaat voelen en je meer wint. Claudia Hammond baseert haar pleidooi op haar onderzoek aan de University of Sussex, waar ze het grootste wetenschappelijke onderzoek naar vriendelijkheid ter wereld deed.
Claudia Hammond heeft een hele toegankelijke, vlotte en heldere schrijfstijl. Hierdoor leest haar verhaal gemakkelijk weg en is alle informatie die haar pleidooi biedt goed te begrijpen en te volgen. Het verhaal is opgebouwd uit zeven lessen waarin ze vriendelijkheid op verschillende vlakken van het leven onder de loep neemt.
Iedere les is opgebouwd uit voorbeelden, wetenschappelijke onderzoeken, maar ze deelt ook haar eigen kennis en inzichten en ze deelt tips en handvatten hoe je deze stappen van vriendelijkheid ook in je eigen leven kan inzetten. Haar verhaal heeft hele verrassende inzichten die je echt aan het denken zetten. Daarbij vind ik het erg goed dat Claudia Hammond een breed onderzoek heeft gehouden en ook heeft gekeken in of leefstijl, leeftijd en geslacht een verschil brengen in vriendelijkheid. Ik was bijvoorbeeld bijzonder verrast door de vriendelijkheid van kleuters in haar onderzoek.
De kracht van vriendelijkheid is een inspirerend, leerzaam en mooi boek. Claudia Hammond heeft me op heldere en toegankelijke wijze onderzoeken getoond en daarbij goed onderbouwd wat de kracht is van vriendelijkheid over onszelf maar ook voor anderen. Het boek heeft me zeker geïnspireerd om met meer vriendelijkheid en compassie door het leven te gaan. Erg mooi!
November 15, 2024
3,5 ster voor dit positieve boek over vriendelijkheid. De auteur heeft veel onderzoeken beschreven en dat is wat lastig doorlezen. Dat neemt niet weg dat er wetenswaardige dingen in het boek staan. Zo vind ik het erg leuk om te lezen dat je een 'vriendelijkheidsspotter' kunt worden. Let eens op al die vriendelijke handelingen die je ziet en op de vriendelijke woorden die je hoort. Het boek staat er in elk geval vol mee. Ook heel aardig: het lezen van fictie vergroot je empathisch vermogen waardoor vriendelijk zijn gemakkelijker wordt.
Kortom: mooie nieuwe dingen geleerd over vriendelijkheid.
Kortom: mooie nieuwe dingen geleerd over vriendelijkheid.
July 4, 2023
Libro que, si te interesa el tema, definitivamente tienes que leer. Me gusta cómo estaba estructurado y las ideas que presentaba. Y, sobretodo, la sensación que me ha dejado. Es un libro cálido que te confirma que ser amable no cuesta nada, es totalmente beneficioso para nosotros y, al contrario de lo que muchos piensan, no es un signo de debilidad ni nada que escasee entre nosotros.
January 5, 2024
An easy read about the extensive research done on kindness (which I was unaware of!). Claudia provides practical ways how we can become kinder to ourselves and others around us.
A quote from her book that I will treasure is the following “Reading, fiction in particular, allows us to see perspectives other than our own, which teaches us empathy and which in turn increases mutual kindness”
A quote from her book that I will treasure is the following “Reading, fiction in particular, allows us to see perspectives other than our own, which teaches us empathy and which in turn increases mutual kindness”
May 23, 2024
Wel mooi, veel raakvlakken met De meeste mensen deugen. Rijmt niet met hoe ik de wereld de laatste tijd ervaar en vind het boek ook wat kort door de bocht op een aantal vlakken. Het idee voor een vriendelijkheidsdagboek is wel heel leuk, of in ieder geval het meer alert zijn op kleine vriendelijkheden in het leven.
February 24, 2023
Interesting topic, but I felt the book was too long, I got the point that being kind is good for us, as well as everyone else and I felt like most of the book was selling that point.
April 25, 2023
Really nice book, learnt a lot about psychology and also interestingly fundraising. I have a couple of takeaways and when I told my colleague who is learning about fundraising, she confirmed these are very important principles.
People are more likely to donate if you yourself have done it. E.g. if you donated to a charity or volunteered for them, your family and friends are more likely to donate.
We like people who are like us, same birthday same hobby, same looks etc.
To walk in another person's shoes if we like the rest of the outfit. Otherwise it can backfire - this is about the fact that we are likely to listen to a different point of view from a person from "our own" club, a person similar to us.
If someone is being unkind, remember that the person can be kinder in other circumstances.
If someone has done something unkind try to imagine a reason why they did it. This may help to cope with it, however unlikely is a reason.
Just seeing someone being more empathic can change people's perspective and make them more empathic and pledge more money or volunteer hours. Donor testimonials.
People are more likely to donate if you yourself have done it. E.g. if you donated to a charity or volunteered for them, your family and friends are more likely to donate.
We like people who are like us, same birthday same hobby, same looks etc.
To walk in another person's shoes if we like the rest of the outfit. Otherwise it can backfire - this is about the fact that we are likely to listen to a different point of view from a person from "our own" club, a person similar to us.
If someone is being unkind, remember that the person can be kinder in other circumstances.
If someone has done something unkind try to imagine a reason why they did it. This may help to cope with it, however unlikely is a reason.
Just seeing someone being more empathic can change people's perspective and make them more empathic and pledge more money or volunteer hours. Donor testimonials.
September 8, 2024
Ich habe "The Keys to Kindness" sehr gerne gelesen - die britische Autorin Claudia Hammond hat darin viele Studien zum Thema Freundlichkeit zusammengefasst und stellt anhand zahlreicher Beispiele dar, warum freundliches Verhalten einen viel höheren Stellenwert in unserer Gesellschaft haben sollte. Von Freundlichkeit bei Kindern und Jugendlichen über Freundlichkeit im Internet bis hin zu Selbstfürsorge werden zahlreiche Aspekte des Themas beleuchtet. Ich fand es besonders gut, dass die Autorin am Ende auch noch einmal zusammenfasst, was Leserinnen und Leser für ihren eigenen Alltag aus der Darstellung ziehen können. Für mich ist es auf jeden Fall ein Buch, von dem ich wünschte, dass mehr Menschen es lesen würden.
March 26, 2024
Library book 📖
3.5/5, rounded up
This took me a while to read, as all non-fiction seems to, but it wasn't because it wasn't good. In fact, I enjoyed this book a lot and wanted to come back to it over and over. I also made some 128 notes from it, which I love - when a book is accessible enough to read and yet teaches me something; well, that's just the perfect combination!
The chapters felt a tiny bit too long and repetitive but it wasn't enough to make me stop reading. The research referenced was fascinating and the conclusions drawn insightful. I especially liked the last chapter, with tips to transform the findings into actions in your life. I'd recommend.
3.5/5, rounded up
This took me a while to read, as all non-fiction seems to, but it wasn't because it wasn't good. In fact, I enjoyed this book a lot and wanted to come back to it over and over. I also made some 128 notes from it, which I love - when a book is accessible enough to read and yet teaches me something; well, that's just the perfect combination!
The chapters felt a tiny bit too long and repetitive but it wasn't enough to make me stop reading. The research referenced was fascinating and the conclusions drawn insightful. I especially liked the last chapter, with tips to transform the findings into actions in your life. I'd recommend.
November 30, 2024
Read for 52 Book Club Challenge 2024 #11 Title starting with the letter “K”.
Claudia Hammond is always good value - this is a master class in how to write a popular science book with the right balance of research, anecdote and explanation. Who knew there was quite so much research around the topic of kindness? I would particularly recommend the audiobook read by the author - her voice is clear and pleasing to the ear.
Claudia Hammond is always good value - this is a master class in how to write a popular science book with the right balance of research, anecdote and explanation. Who knew there was quite so much research around the topic of kindness? I would particularly recommend the audiobook read by the author - her voice is clear and pleasing to the ear.
October 15, 2024
this book lends itself well to the audio book format, i enjoyed bookending my workdays by listening to a chapter of this book during my drive to and from the office ☺️🎧
i thought it was the perfect mix of psychology and research findings, balanced with heartwarming anecdotes and the author’s observations of acts of kindness in their everyday life ❣️
i thought it was the perfect mix of psychology and research findings, balanced with heartwarming anecdotes and the author’s observations of acts of kindness in their everyday life ❣️
April 6, 2025
I like the vulnerable awkwardness that is often exposed by the author. Kindness appears to be both hard work and easily unnoticed. Interesting thought and still it inspires to show and recognise kindness more often. The book is a sort of summary of meta studies on the subject.
I wish kindness was a part of the curriculum, even though this book clearly shows humans are already very good at it.
I wish kindness was a part of the curriculum, even though this book clearly shows humans are already very good at it.
January 6, 2024
Although I bit dry at times, this book is chock full of research and data about kindness. Simply put- this book is about the importance and value of kindness. As Hammond states, “if we could all be kinder to ourselves, to others, and to wider society, the world would be a better place.”
January 12, 2024
I enjoyed most of this book — a tad long occasionally, some chapters could be a little concise, but overall a good read and one I looked forward to reading a little of everyday. If anything, just reading the book made me want to apply kindness in my life, and that’s worth a star here.
June 30, 2024
I really warmed up to this book. Definitely an enjoyable read, and got better as it went along.
A lot of it was quite obvious though, and it did come across at times as simply examples of studies that revealed something really obvious - e.g. that kindness makes you feel happier.
A lot of it was quite obvious though, and it did come across at times as simply examples of studies that revealed something really obvious - e.g. that kindness makes you feel happier.
February 9, 2023
This is a fantastic book, steeped in science and a breath of fresh air
June 16, 2023
This wasn’t the most engaging book, but I found the research interesting and enjoyed Hammond’s stories and writing style.
August 26, 2023
Quite a lot of different facets packed in and deals quite well with the difference between kind and compliant.
October 1, 2023
Some valuable lessons
March 11, 2024
Extremely insightful and interesting I will happily use what I have learnt :)
March 29, 2024
Really enjoying reading this book and considering all kindnesses, every day!
October 2, 2024
ngl, it gave Joy from Inside out 2 vibes
November 4, 2024
Needed a good non-fiction book as haven’t read as many this year. Really interesting scientific studies mentioned in this. Managed to learn quite a bit from this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews