Gentileza

Meaning

“Gentileza gera gentileza,” translated from Portuguese, means “Kindness begets kindness” and is one of the fifty-six messages painted across the city of Rio de Janeiro by the eccentric Profeta Gentileza, whose hope was to instill a modern love toward humanity.

Origin

Gained popularity in 1980s Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian prophet José Datrino.

In Practice

• Make effort to greet strangers in passing.
  Simple messages of acknowledgment invite brighter perspectives of the world, and even the smallest gestures create ripples of positivity unto those you spread kindness toward.
• Find importance in kindness.
  Profeta Gentileza gave permanence to his work by transcribing his message of kindness onto concrete. You can welcome courtesy to your actions by making kindness relevant to your actions.
• Go where kindness is needed.
  On the ashes of a tragic circus fire, Profeta Gentileza built a garden so that mourners could experience beauty amidst their grief. Recognize those within your life who would benefit from words of sympathy and acts of generosity.