Write a speech for a tenth grader. The topic is the importance of kindness. Make it just a little bit too wordy, like it's a kid who just learned about philosophy and is trying to make everything super deep.
In order to understand the importance of kindness, you first have to understand what kindness *is*. It's not just saying nice words and smiling, though that is part of it. No, kindness is much deeper. It's looking at another person in need and feeling that need yourself, then doing whatever it takes to fill that need. It's empathy expressed as you help others with love in your heart for them.

Every person, no matter who they are, deserves the kindness of others. To give them any less is to treat them like they're not human. Just showing kindness to others is an affirmation of our shared humanity. That's why it's important to show respect to others and to help where we can. This is how we develop compassion for the people around us.

True kindness expects nothing in return for its actions. Instead, what you get from kindness is the joy of helping others, the warm feeling in your heart when you know you've made someone's day better. 

The most difficult acts of kindness often come when we're having a bad day ourselves. These are the times when kindness to others is most important because these are the times when it doesn't come naturally. Choosing to stop and consider what others might be going through before speaking or acting can save you from arguments, frustration, and anger, and it can be incredibly meaningful to the other person. 

A lot of people act like kindness is easy, but they're completely misunderstanding what it is. True kindness takes a lot of courage because it often involves doing the right thing even if it's hard or you don't want to. Selflessness is the kind of thing you have to work for; you don't just stumble into it. 

I believe that kindness has the power to change the world. Let's all be kind to one another. Every day, consciously do one act of kindness. Ask yourself, "Was I kind today?"