11 Best Books on Kindness (How to be kinder to others)

Want to learn how to be kinder to others? Well, first, let’s be honest: showing kindness in every situation can be hard. This is especially so when we’re dealing with people we may not like. However, I believe these best books on kindness are a great way to help you develop deeper empathy, compassion, and love in all your relationships, old and new.

Enjoy!

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My list of best books on kindness!

1. Deep Kindness

We live in a world that is often stressful, anxiety-inducing, and lonely. To this end, Houston Kraft suggests that practicing kindness is a key step to healing the human race, one person at a time.

I love how Kraft’s book doesn’t simply rely on overused platitudes (e.g. “Let’s all be kind!”). Rather, he mixes in relatable anecdotes with actionable steps. By doing this, he details a grounded and feasible approach to changing our lives, and those of others. In short, Kraft focuses on pragmatic kindness – not abstract ideals.

Overall, I think Deep Kindness will appeal to anyone who believes in the value of living in a kinder, more compassionate world. The book nudges us to move away from merely ‘thinking’ about being kind – to actually doing it.

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2. Radical Kindness

Author Angela Santomero is a lifelong advocate of kindness. She’s created many popular children’s shows that explore the radical impact of being kind to the people around us. In addition, it’s amazing how her teachings are richly inspired by her mentor, Fred Rogers – the iconic host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

In her book for adults, Santomero describes what ‘radical kindness’ is, and why it’s so needed in today’s troubled world. She then covers how we can achieve both inner and outer peace by simply practicing kindness to ourselves and others. Above all, we must learn to see every individual as being worthy of love and understanding. Doing this isn’t always easy. However, we can begin by first learning to pay attention to what people are really trying to say.

In short, I find Radical Kindness to be one of the best books on kindness available. A must-read that’s easy to digest and learn from!

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3. The Kindness Method

The Kindness Method is a step-by-step approach to breaking bad habits in your life, permanently. By doing this, author Shahroo Izadi believes that we also unlock our ability to be kind to others naturally. This will greatly enrich our relationships and connections with people.

I really appreciate Izadi’s first-hand experiences in therapeutic treatments. In my opinion, her professional expertise lends weight to her call for us to strengthen our ‘kindness muscle’ towards ourselves and our loved ones.

Overall, The Kindness Method sits comfortably among the best books on kindness. It’s a fantastic go-to guide for those who wish to be enactors of love, empathy, and compassion.

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4. Love Kindness

Kindness is a big part of the Christian faith. However, Barry Corey reminds us that this virtue doesn’t need to be seen as merely timid or soft-hearted. Instead, being kindly towards others is an empowering act that boldly spurs authentic and loving interactions.

Grounded in Biblical teachings, Corey shares many personal stories that invite us to take on healthy risks in an effort to bring kindness to all frontiers in our lives. Above all, he points us to following Jesus’ example in loving our neighbors, which lies at the heart of the Christian faith.

In short, I believe Christians (and non-believers too!) will pick up many incredible insights from Love Kindness. It’s easily one of the best books on kindness out there.

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5. I Hear You

Learning to properly listen is key to showing kindness to people. In this regard, I think you’ll find Michael Sorenson’s bestseller to be a real eye-opener!

You’ll likely finish this book in under 3 hours. However, don’t be fooled by its short length. I Hear You is packed with info that explores the importance of making others feel validated for who they are, how they feel, and the ways they think.

Above all, I learnt that giving affirmation is a great first step to being truly kind to friends, partners, and other loved ones. It helps us forge deeper connections that endure, rewarding everyone.

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6. The War for Kindness

Without empathy, it is much harder to be kind. To this end, Jamil Zaki’s details a ton of scientific research – including his own – that reveal the true nature of empathy. Put simply, empathy isn’t a fixed trait. Instead, it’s a dynamic skill that gets stronger over time only through our practice and focus.

In addition, Zaki shares many inspiring real-life stories of people who exemplify kindness, even amid tough circumstances. For example, I loved reading about a former German soldier who dramatically turned things around by dedicating his life to saving people from hate groups.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best books on kindness that balance science with actual testimonies, look no further than The War for Kindness.

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7. The Power of Kindness

Now onto its 10th anniversary edition, The Power of Kindness illustrates how kindness towards others is the secret to leading a truly fulfilling life. Kindness isn’t weakness, but is in fact a powerful force that changes all of us for the better.

I love how each chapter is themed according to specific qualities relating to kindness – for example, ‘honesty’, ‘warmth’, and so on. This makes the book really organized and easy for readers to refer back to. In addition, I also enjoyed the section on meditation exercises that create optimal mental conditions for us to act kindly.

In short, The Power of Kindness is easily one of the best books on kindness around. 125,000+ readers can’t be wrong!

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8. The Hidden Power of Kindness

Kindness doesn’t need to be a lofty, broad-sighted ideal. Instead, as Lawrence Lovasik suggests, being kind begins by first learning to pay attention to the little details.

Speaking from a Christian worldview, Lovasik motivates us to give greater attention to the daily, often offhand, tasks we do. These activities are actually opportunities for us to practice kindness towards others. I especially like his argument that being kind is also a way to enhance our own spiritual lives, as we break free from habitual unkindness.

In short, I think The Hidden Power of Kindness is among the best books on kindness available. I believe it gives us a solid foundation to foster gentler, more empathetic relationships.

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9. Be Kind to Yourself

While being kind to others is crucial, I think we should also not forget to show kindness to ourselves. That’s the main focus of Cindy Bunch’s book.

In her short picture-filled release, Bunch explores how small frustrations can actually engender bad habits of self-criticism. This destructive pattern of thinking may, in turn, afflict many spheres of our lives. It can also impact how we relate with others.

However, to break this cycle, Bunch teaches us to discern the negative things we need to let go of. Doing this enables us to better appreciate – and enhance – our joyous experiences.

In short, I enjoyed Be Kind to Yourself for its direct and highly motivating message. Self-compassion puts our heart in the right place, so that we are able to show greater kindness to the people around us.

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10. The Kindness Cure

In our highly narcissistic world, it’s easy to lose sight of the inherent value of kindness.

However, backed by scientific research, psychologist Tara Cousineau illustrates how being kind has the potential to greatly benefit both ourselves and others. Specifically, kindness isn’t just a ‘soft’ skill to develop. Rather, it is in fact hardwired into our DNA as a key ingredient to true happiness.

Cousineau cites many examples that reveal how far cruelty, indifference, and loneliness have infected our modern culture. It’s a sad picture. However, she chooses to be optimistic, emphasizing the importance of practicing kindness within and beyond our immediate circles.

In short, The Kindness Cure is among the best books on kindness I’ve come across. It’s really a wake-up call for our conscience. We all have a role to play in spreading empathy, compassion, and care to heal the world we live in.

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11. The Art of Empathy

Using insights from neuroscience, social psychology, and healing practices, Karla McLaren explains the role that empathy plays in helping us authentically connect with others. By learning to better understand people, kindness naturally emerges as we start to care on a deeper and more personal level.

I really enjoy her chapters that specifically address the nature of empathy amid family, workplace, and other relationships. In addition, she also contextualizes her discussion to our hyper-connected world. I find this especially pertinent, given the prevalence of social media interactions.

In short, I regard The Art of Empathy as one of the best books on kindness released. It is filled with pragmatic, scientifically-supported advice that I believe will help you lead a better, more meaningful life with others.

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Know of more best books on kindness? Share your suggestions by dropping us an email! We’ll add them to this list.