Today I witnessed two actions with contrasting effect upon those concerned and myself as the observer. It left me thinking about quality and the quality of a person more specifically.
Greed
It's easy to be greedy, humans have an innate predilection for it seemingly. Somebody wins and somebody loses.
But I wonder, does anybody really win? Maybe in the short term the greedy individual feels like they've won something, gained something, but I feel in the long term a habit of greed, even if that greed is satisfied, takes something away from that person in ways which may not be quantifiable. We see it in so many ways, greedy behaviour, from individuals, businesses, companies and governments; gains occur, but at what cost? It ultimately leaves dissatisfaction, malcontent and a constant drive for more; greed breeds greed.
Benevolence
It's easy to be benevolent, humans have an innate predilection for it seemingly. Somebody wins and somebody else wins too.
Kindness is something that gives on a wholesale level, to those receiving it and equally to those giving it. Kindness feels good and when extended to others it seeps down into the core of the person showing it also and that's giving on a whole different level, giving that supports the soul, creates contentment, happiness and love. It's contagious also, a positive energy is produced and as that spreads so does the kindness...it gives a lot.
I'm fortunate enough to have a partner who doesn't have a greedy bone in his body; he gives, often more than he has to give, something he was surrounded by as a child which sunk into the core of the man and I find it attractive. I find kindness attractive generally and greed repulsive, and draw closer to those who show kindness and benevolence and close off to those who have a greedy nature. It's sad to see the rise of greed and avarice in people, society seems enamoured by it...although I suppose it makes those benevolent few stand out that much more.