When asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, Greg Mallory stated, “Because it is there.” I defined the word impulse last week as a compelling reason.

See post. https://docdavedewitt.com/2024/03/01/leap-on-impulse/

My point was to share that there are great reasons to do something in the moment, right when you feel that you should do this. I stated that there are bad reasons as well. A few bad reasons to act on a feeling are jealousy, lust, envy, revenge, dishonor, self-seeking, and anger. The consequences of these actions make everything worse.

What about no reason at all? Not sure that it is possible because whatever we do, there are consequences.

In Mallory’s case the consequence was bad. He did not make it back down to tell anyone whether it was good to climb the highest mountain.

Say I decide to jump in a puddle. I might do this in the moment purely to have fun. Consequences can be good as I got joy out of flying about the puddle, feeling frozen in the air before coming down to see water blast from beneath my feet. It is possible that others nearby received more joy watching me look at my dripping clothes in a cold shock due to the puddle being deeper than expected.

The consequences of doing something kind are not measurable.

After going through security at the airport, I realized that I had an hour to waste before boarding my flight. I decided to walk all the way to the end, then back to the entrance of the terminal. When returning to the security area, I saw a woman who I had directed to this security line, after trying to get into the precheck line. She was trying to gather her things after putting on her shoes. Not being able to carry it all, she put one bag down, then picked up the other, but could not get all of them in her arms for the walk to the gate. It was like watching a little kid trying to pick up too many toys, aways looking back down at the one remaining on the ground which cold not be left behind.

I approached her and offered to help, which she accepted perhaps only because I had been considerate enough to guide her earlier. To our surprise, we were on the same flight. She had another problem which I recognized before she did. When I explained to her that she was allowed one carry on bag and one personal item, her countenance dropped while looking down at her three bags.

I quickly then explained that I only had my backpack so could carry one bag on for her. She was moved enough to explain the importance of bringing a picture in the one bag to give to her daughter who was also in Texas.

There was nothing in it for me, but that is how kindness works. You like seeing that the result is something good for someone else.

Have a Happy Friday.