January 5, 2026

"Kindness is one thing you can’t give away. It always comes back."

George Skolsky
Did you find this inspiring?
Quote Image

Explanation

That line is a simple reminder that kindness isn’t a limited resource—you don’t lose something when you’re generous with it, and often you get something back in return. When you hold a door, listen without fixing, or cut someone slack on a bad day, that warmth usually ripples out: the person you helped might pass it on, or come through for you later, or you’ll simply notice that life feels gentler. It’s not always immediate or transactional; sometimes the payoff is quieter; a friend’s gratitude, a calmer mind, or a stranger’s smile that brightens your day. Being kind grows the world you live in.

About the Author

George Skolsky is a little-known writer credited with the aphorism "Kindness is one thing you can’t give away. It always comes back."; his birth and death dates and detailed biography are not widely documented. His principal contribution is this enduring, widely circulated maxim, which has appeared in greeting cards, social media, and motivational collections. Skolsky is most remembered for distilling the ripple effect of small benevolent acts into a short, memorable line that keeps inspiring readers to be kinder. The plainspoken, folkwise tone suggests he drew on everyday observation; teachers, counselors, or practical philosophers often produced such sayings, which helps explain why he voiced the idea that kindness returns to its giver.