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Across diverse cultures and nations, the perception of wisdom is increasingly recognized as intertwined with empathy. A recent study explored how individuals across 16 distinct cultures—from Japan to Morocco—view wisdom not merely as a function of logic or reflection, but as a profound understanding of others’ feelings and perspectives. Wisdom, often revered as a quintessential human trait, transcends mere intelligence or accumulated knowledge. It is characterized by the emotional resonance it evokes, suggesting that true wisdom is deeply rooted in empathy. Researchers from the University of Waterloo sought to create a comprehensive framework for wise behavior and character by examining perceptions of wisdom in 12 countries across five continents. The findings reveal that individuals deemed wise are often assessed based on two critical dimensions: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. Reflective orientation encompasses logical thinking, emotional regulation, and the application of knowledge. In contrast, socio-emotional awareness emphasizes care for others’ feelings and attentiveness to social contexts. Dr. Maksim Rudnev, the study’s lead author, noted that these dimensions emerged consistently across all cultural regions studied, highlighting a universal framework for understanding wisdom. While reflective orientation is often regarded as more significant in defining wisdom, the study underscores that socio-emotional awareness is equally vital. Dr. Igor Grossmann pointed out that without the ability to reflect logically, even those who are socio-emotionally competent may not be perceived as wise. This suggests that empathy is not just an ancillary trait but a fundamental component of wisdom itself. The collaboration involved 2,707 participants from various socio-economic backgrounds who evaluated individuals—including scientists and politicians—faced with complex decisions lacking clear right or wrong answers. Participants rated both themselves and these exemplars of wisdom, revealing an interesting dynamic: individuals often viewed themselves as less reflective than those they considered wise but felt more confident about their socio-emotional skills. Understanding how wisdom is perceived globally has profound implications for leadership and education. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating empathy into our definitions of wisdom. As societies grapple with complex challenges, recognizing that true wisdom encompasses not only cognitive abilities but also a deep emotional connection to others may foster more effective leadership and collaborative solutions. In conclusion, this study illuminates empathy as an essential pillar of wisdom. As we navigate increasingly interconnected societies, cultivating empathy can enhance our understanding of others and ultimately lead to wiser decision-making and more compassionate communities.

Today, discussions around mental health and platforms like Facebook often carry a negative connotation. However, a recent incident in Lucknow, India, highlights a more positive aspect of technology’s role in mental health intervention. An AI system developed by Meta alerted local authorities about a young woman in distress, potentially saving her life. The 23-year-old woman was reportedly heartbroken over her husband’s abandonment and posted a video on Facebook that resembled a suicide note, with a noose ominously visible. As the video gained traction online, Meta’s AI flagged her post and sent an alert to the Social Media Center of the Lucknow Police, providing them with her approximate location. Police officer swiftly responded and managed to engage the woman in conversation, ultimately persuading her to remove the noose. Although she declined protective custody, the police have maintained contact with her to ensure her safety. This situation underscores the dual nature of AI as both a tool for intervention and a reminder of the human emotions it interacts with. While companies like Meta and others develop AI systems to monitor social media for signs of suicidal intent—flagging hundreds of posts daily—it’s crucial to remember that these technologies are only as effective as the empathy and kindness we embed within their frameworks. AI’s potential for positive outcomes is significant; however, it is essential to approach its use with a foundation of kindness. For instance, AI systems that engage users with compassionate messages have shown promising results. Companies like Samurai Labs send supportive messages to individuals flagged for suicidal thoughts, offering resources and encouragement. Research indicates that kindness not only enhances AI performance but also fosters better human-AI interactions. Incorporating kindness into our interactions with technology can lead to improved outcomes across various applications. Studies have demonstrated that polite communication with AI can yield better responses and foster more productive engagements. This principle extends beyond mere efficiency; it speaks to the core of our humanity. As we navigate an increasingly digital landscape, embracing kindness is paramount—not just towards each other but also towards the tools we create. The absence of kindness can push individuals to their limits, emphasizing the need for compassion in all aspects of life. The story from Lucknow serves as a poignant reminder: while AI can be a powerful ally in addressing mental health crises, it is ultimately our commitment to kindness that will foster healing and connection in our communities.

A 77-year-old woman was saved from a precarious situation earlier this week, thanks to a man aptly named Chris Miracle. Chris, who works for his family’s towing business in Manntown, Florida, was on duty around 2 AM when he spotted flashing lights through the brush while driving. Initially focused on avoiding deer, he felt compelled to turn around after driving a mile past the lights, sensing something was amiss. Upon returning, Miracle discovered a car partially submerged in a creek about 40 yards from the road, with its hazard lights flashing. Inside, he found the elderly woman, who explained that she had veered off the road due to an adverse reaction to her medication. Without a cell phone to call for help, she had turned on her hazard lights and waited for assistance. Miracle promptly called emergency services and used his tow truck to pull her vehicle from the creek. Fortunately, she was released from the hospital days later in good condition. Miracle expressed relief that he followed his instincts; had no one noticed her hazard lights, she might have remained trapped until daylight, making rescue even more difficult. “The timing was just impeccable,” Miracle remarked. “I think it was God’s work—right place, right time; it was meant to be.”

Cameras attached to stop lights and other posts on bridges in Seoul aren’t there to tell if you’re speeding; they’re doing a much more important job—a lifesaving job. Using artificial intelligence, programmers at the Seoul Institute of Technology are building a system of recognizing body movements and other cues to help identify whether someone is contemplating ending their own life. If the system thinks there’s a risk, it will immediately alert local rescue teams. Suicide is a major problem in South Korea, and the rates there are higher than in other well-developed countries. Furthermore, it can be extremely difficult for even trained surveillance teams to deduce whether a person is simply being pensive while enjoying the view from one of Seoul’s 27 bridges. “We believe the new CCTV will enable our crews to detect the cases a bit faster and help us head to a call more promptly,” Kim Hyeong-gil, who is in charge of the Yeouido Water Rescue Brigade, told Reuters. Critically important is that the system learns by itself from experience, analyzing in every detail what an at-risk person is doing, and then cataloguing the actions depending on whether it was confirmed to be an attempted suicide or not. The programmers are looking to pilot the system with the Seoul Fire and Rescue subsequently.

This week, the famous presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, His Excellency Peter Obi returned to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences in Anyigba, Kogi State, to fulfill a pledge made three months prior. During a previous visit, he had donated ₦10 million to support the institution’s educational initiatives. The Proprietor and the Rector had expressed that their most pressing need for accreditation was a 32-seater coaster bus to facilitate students’ clinical experience visits. In discussions with the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Adaji, it was noted that the cost of a brand-new bus exceeded ₦100 million. However, a fairly used bus priced between ₦20 million and ₦30 million would adequately meet their needs. Consequently, upon returning to the College, Peter Obi presented a fairly used bus within this price range to assist students in their essential clinical assignments. Additionally, they contributed ₦5 million designated for covering registration, insurance, and other related expenses for one year. The individual expressed gratitude towards the Proprietor, Management, and staff for their warm reception and commended their relentless efforts in enhancing education and health services. They assured the College community of continued support in modest ways as they collectively strive toward a “new Nigeria that is possible.”

Companies and organizations are mobilizing to support communities in North Carolina as they recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, described by Governor Roy Cooper as having “wiped out whole communities.” The storm left over 200,000 residents without power and caused extensive damage even deep inland from the coast. The response from the sports community in North Carolina has been particularly noteworthy. David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, has pledged $3 million through his charitable foundation to aid relief efforts. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation will focus on supplying food and essential items via local food banks and service agencies throughout the Carolinas. “We stand alongside all those affected by Hurricane Helene and are committed to supporting relief efforts,” the Teppers stated, emphasizing their dedication to providing critical resources and assisting first responders. They expressed confidence in the resilience of Carolinians, stating, “Together, we will rebuild and recover.” The NFL has also joined the effort, with various teams and ownership groups, including those from the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, contributing an additional $5 million. NFL Vice President of Philanthropy Alexia Gallagher remarked, “Our hearts go out to all impacted by Hurricane Helene,” reaffirming the league’s commitment to aiding recovery. In addition to sports organizations, NASCAR teams, including driver Greg Biffle and Joe Gibbs Racing, are using helicopters to deliver supplies to remote areas severely affected by the storm. Biffle has been transporting pallets of donated Starlink hubs to restore telecommunications in regions where connectivity has been lost due to flooding. The rural town of Banner Elk publicly thanked Joe Gibbs Racing for its assistance in delivering supplies after a key bridge was destroyed. Support has also come from major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, each donating $2 million through various initiatives. This week, Lowe’s stores will host relief events to distribute cleanup supplies across more than 25 communities in affected areas. The company is collaborating with first responders to provide essential items such as water and generators. Home Depot’s contributions will support organizations like the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon, which are actively assisting impacted communities. Looking around, there are so many situations begging for kind interventions. How about you and I rising up to act kindly?

In Nanchang, near a cancer hospital, two elderly individuals operate a “community cancer kitchen,” providing vital support for those caring for cancer patients. Wan Zuocheng and Hong Gengxiang have dedicated two decades to this charitable endeavor, recently gaining national recognition for their efforts. “No matter what life throws at you, you must eat good food,” Mr. Wan shared with the South China Morning Post. For just 3 RMB (approximately $0.32), anyone can utilize the kitchen facilities they have established in the alley to prepare meals. These meals often serve both patients, who seek comfort in familiar food over hospital offerings, and their caregivers. The couple initially ran a restaurant next to Jiangxi Cancer Hospital in 1993, but after its demolition, they transitioned to a breakfast stall. The inspiration for their charity kitchen arose in 2003 when a mother approached them, expressing her son’s desire for a home-cooked meal rather than treatment. This moment prompted them to open their kitchen to families in need. Over the years, they expanded their resources, adding more cooking equipment and accommodating an increasing number of users. As community support grew, donations began to exceed operational costs, allowing nearly 10,000 people to benefit from the kitchen annually. “We and the patients are inseparable now,” Wan stated to China Daily. “Without the patients, we would feel lonely; without us, they would face difficulties.” He remains committed to helping as long as he is able. In Chinese culture, food holds significant importance, often serving as a means of connection and care. The act of sharing a meal is seen as an expression of love and support during challenging times. Research indicates that positivity can enhance recovery outcomes for cancer patients, making home-cooked meals particularly meaningful. In 2019, local government funding facilitated renovations that moved the kitchen indoors and expanded its capacity with over 20 cooking stations and ventilation systems. Their work was further recognized in 2020 when they received the “People Who Move China” honor, akin to CNN Heroes.

San José is implementing a creative initiative aimed at both beautifying the city and providing employment opportunities for homeless individuals. The program will hire 25 local homeless residents at a wage of $15 per hour to engage in litter cleanup across 40 identified hotspots throughout the city. This effort seeks to enhance the cleanliness of public spaces as well as aims to offer a sense of purpose and financial stability to those involved, potentially facilitating their transition into full-time employment in the future. The management of this initiative will be handled by Downtown Streets Team, an organization dedicated to combating homelessness, alongside Goodwill. Funding for the program comes from a $200,000 litter abatement grant provided by the city. If successful, city officials are optimistic about extending the program beyond its initial phase. This approach mirrors similar efforts seen in other cities, such as Denver, where a comparable model led to over 100 homeless participants securing regular jobs after being employed for a year. By employing homeless individuals in cleanup efforts, San José hopes to reduce litter and also to foster community engagement among those experiencing homelessness. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address homelessness in the city, which includes building emergency housing and expanding job programs for unhoused residents. When our policies are doused in kindness, we’re most certain of having a win-win situation for all parties involved. May this remind us that in all we do, KINDNESS is the prerequisite for existence.