HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time

by Brad Aronson

Overview

"An elegant, wise book of love in action."
—Deepak Chopra

HumanKind is the heartwarming, feel-good book that we all need right now.

Brad Aronson's life changed in an instant when his wife, Mia, was diagnosed with leukemia. After her diagnosis, Brad spent most of the next two-and-a-half years either by her side as she received treatment or trying to shield their five-year-old son, Jack, from the worst of Mia's illness. Amid the stress and despair of waiting for the treatment to work, Brad and Mia were met by an outpouring of kindness from friends, family, and even complete strangers.

Inspired by the many demonstrations of "humankindness" that supported their family through Mia's recovery, Brad began writing about the people who rescued his family from that dark time, often with the smallest of gestures. But he didn't stop there. Knowing that simple acts of kindness transform lives across the globe every day, he sought out these stories and shares some of the best ones here.

In HumanKind, you'll meet the mentor who changed a child's life with a single lesson in shoe tying, the six-year-old who launched a global kindness movement, the band of seamstress grandmothers who mend clothes for homeless people, and many other heroes.

Brad also provides dozens of ways you can make a difference through the simplest words and deeds. You'll discover how buying someone a meal or sharing a little encouragement at the right time can change someone's world, as well as your own.

The resource section at the back of the book provides guidance and organizations that will help you channel and amplify your own acts of kindness. Here you'll discover:

• How you can fund a surgery to cure someone's blindness with a donation of less than $200;
• Organizations through which you can provide a birthday gift for a child who otherwise wouldn't receive one;
• Multiple places where you can send letters of encouragement to support hospitalized kids, lonely seniors, refugees, veterans, and others;
• And over fifty more ways you can change a life.

HumanKind will touch your heart. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be reminded of what really matters.

All author royalties go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781928055631
Publisher:	LifeTree Media
Publication date:	04/14/2020
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	51,140
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Brad Aronson is a husband and a dad, and when he’s holding the parenting reins, he likes to go all out. For him that means leading an egg drop competition from the third-floor window of his family’s home or heading up indoor games of baseball and hockey, and then having to explain why something else is now in pieces. Luckily, his wife, Mia, is understanding.

Brad loves teaching entrepreneurship to youth in Camden, N.J., and volunteering on the nonprofit boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Hopeworks.

One day, Brad hopes to be famous for co-founding a national holiday that features a seven-foot-tall orange tree and more than fifty stuffed monkeys (see chapter nine in HumanKind). In the meantime, he works with tech startups and writes books.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“HumanKind has never been more timely. ”

—PEOPLE

“Every life is a story woven around the web of relationships, chance encounters and daily challenges. Unconsciously or consciously we are the authors of our life stories. In this very elegant and wise book, Brad shows how we can create a life of adventure and healing by making our lives stories of love in action.”

—Deepak Chopra

“Extraordinary stories. ”

—The Philadelphia Inquirer

“I believe we’re all connected, and our purpose here on Earth is to help one another. In HumanKind, Brad Aronson shows us how to do this. The stories he shares will inspire you and, thanks to his practical tips, you’ll feel empowered to act on that feeling and put kindness into action every day, in ways big and small.”

—Gabrielle Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Universe Has Your Back

“One of the most uplifting and life-affirming books I have read in years, and exactly what I needed … if you are struggling in any way, if you need a pick-me-up, if you haven't been able to read, or hell, if you just want to be reminded of all that is good, and right, and true in these scary times, pick up this book. ”

—Jane Green, author of 18 New York Timesbestsellers

“I can think of no better way to better yourself and the world than giving HumanKind a read. ”

—Tiny Buddha

“A refreshing read about the best of ‘humankind.’ This book offers insights and actionable ideas on how we can be our best selves.”

—Pam Iorio, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

“HumanKind is filled with uplifting stories that will inspire you. Goodness begets goodness and this book is chock-full of goodness. Too often these days, the focus is on the negative, on disagreements and fights; this book is the exact opposite. It will make your day, every day you read it.”

—Mark K. Shriver, President, Save the Children Action Network and author of New York Times bestseller A Good Man

“HumanKind is a beautiful, sweet reminder of how the simplest act of kindness can have a profound and lasting impact on both the giver and receiver. It reinforces how compassion, empathy and goodwill are fundamental qualities the world needs now, more than ever.”

—Laura Schroff, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of An Invisible Thread

“HumanKind is a celebration of the impact of small choices to transform ourselves and the world around us. It offers up an inspiring way for us to make the world better, even amidst injustice, tragedy and misfortune. Read this book for inspiration and a path to the mindset and actions that will contribute to personal happiness and a world full of love.”

—Wendy Kopp, founder, Teach For America

“HumanKind will lift you up and open your heart. It left me feeling grateful and inspired.”

—Kevin Kruse, New York Times bestselling author

“Thank you to Brad Aronson for spreading the gospel of kindness. This is a lovely and inspiring book on how we can make the world better with gestures big and small.”

—A.J. Jacobs, author of numerous New York Times bestsellers including Thanks a Thousand