‘Goodness is the only investment that never fails,’ said Henry David Thoreau. If we ponder over this quote, then we may realise that he was right, because when we act with kindness, generosity, strength and integrity, it never fails. According to behavioural scientists, engaging others with goodwill can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with compassion and bonding.Human beings tend to be kinder to one another when they feel safe and secure. However, with the rise of aggression in our culture, the threat of terrorism, and the increasing stress in our schools and workplaces, we frequently find ourselves in a state of fear. This, in turn, creates anxiety and leads to distorted thinking. These changes in our culture have fostered a decline in goodwill towards others, encouraging greater self-absorption and reducing the spirit of giving.It often appears that there are few takers for acts of kindness, truthfulness and simplicity; as a result, those who choose to do well are frequently left feeling isolated. On the other hand, the clever and the shrewd repeatedly steal the show.It is disheartening that the world today seems more accommodating to those who are manipulative and opportunistic, and to those who chase rewards, than to those who labour with faith in the eventual return of their good actions. In such a scenario, one may well ask: what is the point of being good in a world that often appears mad, bad and sad, where goodness seems to go unnoticed or unrewarded? Just as darkness envelops everything at night, and a lone flower in a dense jungle may remain unseen, the small flickers of goodness scattered across the world can seem insignificant and futile.History offers many examples when difficult times seemed to be all-pervasive, when powerful conquerors looted and trapped the masses in an undignified life. And yet, a small courageous group of awakened people led a revolution against injustice and finally turned the tables. But, all acts of goodness do not amount to a revolution. Many have experienced moments of deep discouragement, when hope seemed distant. In such times, a single act of kindness can restore faith and offer direction. This suggests that kindness has a meaningful impact. It may go unheeded at times and could be overpowered by negative forces, but it is never wasted.A familiar story illustrates this idea: a little bird filled her beak with water from a pond and headed for the woods that were on fire. While she was at it, a spectator asked the tiny creature what the point of her effort was, for the small droplets would definitely not douse the huge flames. She quipped, ‘When I die, and my life’s record is being read out, my name will appear in the list of those who tried to put out the flames, and not among those who sparked it or did nothing about it.’ The outcome may be uncertain, yet the intention and action hold value.We must remember that there is a law of cause and effect that guides every act in the universe. And what a person does to another, he does to himself. So, while a negative action piles debt on a person, a positive act is an investment in a good future. Trust in this principle can help sustain effort in challenging environments. If goodness can survive through troubled times, it is sure to bloom fully when favourable circumstances arrive. So, an honest person must hold on to his virtue with courage and patience in testing times. Maintaining faith in this process allows individuals to continue acting with purpose until clearer conditions emerge.— Excerpted from ‘Echoes of the Soul’, with permission from Rupa