The missionary, Mrs. Fry, tells Evangeline, "Only through sorrow do we learn to appreciate kindness." Do you believe this is true?

The missionary, Mrs. Fry, tells Evangeline, "Only through sorrow do we learn to appreciate kindness." Do you believe this is true?

No I don't agree. I think we can appreciate kindness whenever and however it comes our way. Perhaps when one is grieving or sorrowful an act of kindness is what can seem paramount at that time, but kindness even when one is in a good frame of mind can be appreciated and make an impression.

No, I do not agree. Even animals can sense when someone is being kind. There are small acts of kindness and more extensive ones, but people appreciate it. Sometimes sorrow helps people to realize that some of their remarks in the past to others that might have been intended to be kind were actually not consoling at all.

In a way I do think this is true. I know I feel kindness every day, but when times are tough or life is filled with sorrow - acts of kindness almost feel overwhelming in that moment. I think I keep those acts of kindness with me all my life.

Easy for Mrs. Fry to say.
I think we always appreciate a kindness.

I believe that a person can identify, acknowledge, and accept kindnesses whenever they occur; they are taken for granted. A kindness is fully appreciated when one is down and suffering.

I think the sorrow makes us more mindful and appreciative of extended kindness. And that in turn, makes more emphatic towards others.

No, I don’t agree, although there are many people who lack compassion and empathy who don’t recognize or express kindness. But if you are born with compassion towards others, then you recognize kindness, appreciate it, and usually offer it to others. At least, I try to!

I think kindness is universal and everyone appreciates showing kindness and receiving kindness. Also, everyone experiences sorrow at some point, but I don't think the two are interdependent like Mrs. Fry states.

I do think that feeling sorrow helps one empathize with others and gives some understanding of what others are going through. I'm not sure it leads to an appreciation of kindness, maybe it helps us show kindness to others. I think we can appreciate kindness without having to have gone through something terrible.

There are many ways to appreciate kindness. And many ways to be kind to others, by a smile, inviting someone to join you for coffee, brunch , lunch or dinner. I could go on and on. Just to be a friend.

I think Mrs. Fry sentiment is overly simplified, but I do feel that the negative helps you appreciate the positive. I would disagree with mrs. Fry’s use of the word “only”. Kindness can always be appreciated, but is that much more treasured when in juxtaposition to sorrow.

Kindness begets kindness.

I do not, sorrow may enhance it for some ...

Perhaps the depth of appreciation is the key. When a kindness is needed by the recipient or kindness toward the recipient is rare, it may be more appreciated.