People who can construct things including art, music or writing find fulfillment and joy in their creations. However, those who can’t, or believe they can’t, tend to use the same energy, but to destroy things.
How can we help redirect people who are destructive into constructive pursuits?
Perhaps if this became a ‘thing,’ the world would be free from bullies, crooked politicians and undesirable people. Maybe helping everyone become constructive would even end warfare.
In addition for Robert Redford’s larger acts of kindness such as purchasing 2,600 acres in Utah to illustrate building in a small way and preserving nature in a big way, he has been known for smaller kindnesses as well.
While filming Pete’s Dragon in New Zealand, Redford noticed a horse tied by a fence near the freeway. It was emaciated, had no water or hay, and clearly neglected. He stopped, knocked on doors in the neighborhood to see if anyone claimed the horse. No one did. Then he coordinated with an animal rescue group and personally rescued the horse.
In an interview, Redford talked about being in school sports and tending to select the kid who was uncoordinated or less gifted for his teams. Even though that sometimes meant more work or frustration for him, he said that seeing those kids’ faces when included meant a lot to him.
A person who once managed a private screening for Redford and his son recalls that the screening equipment failed partway through. The person was anxious and embarrassed. After the screening, Redford introduced himself, reassured the person that he and his son had enjoyed the experience anyway, and joked about the intermission. The person felt very comforted by Redford’s grace and kindness in turning a stressful situation into something pleasant.
Another story shared by someone who worked at one of Redford’s restaurants:
A table of longtime fans (a mother and daughters) came in during the Sundance Festival. They had hoped to see Robert Redford in person.
Redford came by their table, leaned in, smiled, and said, “Is this close enough?” when asked if they could see him. He thanked them politely. It was brief, but very meaningful to the fans.
Redford’s kindness was characterized by quiet humility and a focus on long-term impact rather than personal acclaim. As he once reflected, his greatest achievement was his family and the positive changes he helped foster for future generations. His legacy continues through the organizations he built, which have empowered artists, protected the planet, and promoted equity worldwide.
In the wild world of business, the main rule is pretty simple: you gotta make money to stick around. For instance, you want a haircut. They provide the scissors and the skills, and you hand over some cash. You both walk away winners, you with a fresh trim and them with the means to, well, not starve. It’s a beautiful, if unglamorous, dance of supply and demand. In this normal, run-of-the-mill business world, there’s really nothing to complain about. It’s just two people getting what they want.
Advertising, however, can be annoying. It pops up everywhere, honking for attention, even when you didn’t ask for it. You’re watching an emotional movie scene where the dog finally comes home, and suddenly, BAM! A guy in khakis is shouting about car insurance. Still, it’s not all bad. In exchange for sitting through 30 seconds of someone yelling “SALE! SALE! SALE!,” you get entire blockbuster movies for free. Honestly, not a terrible trade.
But then there’s a special kind of advertising that’s not just tolerable, it’s actually kind of lovely. That’s when businesses brag about doing something good. They might say, “We donate 10% of our profits to charity,” or “Our CEO personally wrestled a bear to save an orphanage,” or “Our product is so eco-friendly, squirrels use it as furniture.” When businesses flex their goodness like this, it’s worth cheering for them – and worth buying from them too. Because in that scenario, everybody wins: the business, the customers, the community, and even the squirrels.
A form of advertising that’s under-utilized is novelty advertising. The common form is when a business has a large quantity of something fun or useful imprinted with their info. For instance, your author owned a bicycle shop in the 1970s. He got this crazy notion to have little tape measure / keyrings made up that contained the shop’s contact info. They cost almost a buck each, which was real money back then. Still, your author gave them out like water to pretty much everyone. Sure enough, people used those tape measures, told their friends, and bicycle sales grew tremendously.
Bottom line: If a business spends energy or money in doing something beneficial, their profit will increase.
It is estimated that one in every seven people has significant narcissistic tendencies. A Narcissist is characterized by selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration.
If a narcissist performs an act of kindness, for whatever reason, such as giving a cold person a jacket, or donating a million dollars to a food bank, is that act invalid?
We may not like the narcissist, but we can still applaud the act.
By the way, experts in such matters say the best way to deal with narcissists is to simply leave them alone.
Do not try to argue with, plead with, or try to appease narcissists. They are practiced in conniving ways since as early as they could speak. Unless you are a practiced narcissist also, you can’t win. And if you are, all you can hope for is a draw in which you both don’t get what you want.
In 2024, global military spending reached a record $2.7 trillion.
At the same time, it is estimated that world hunger could be eliminated for $325 billion. That’s approximately twelve percent of the amount spent on the business of suffering and death.
Ending world hunger would only be $108 billion, roughly 4% of military spending.
By simply advocating for peace, you could be instrumental in replacing bombs with food and comfort, with plenty left over for high-quality free health care for everyone on earth.
Then, if you still believe we need weaponry, there’s more than a trillion dollars left over for that.
The choice is yours. Do we really need to rattle our weapons at each other at all costs?
Here are a few documented acts of kindness by Dick Van Dyke:
At age 96, Dick Van Dyke was spotted at the Malibu Community Labor Exchange handing out $5 bills to homeless people and job-seekers.
He also took time to chat with those waiting in line, showing interest in their stories.
Van Dyke was seen purchasing red plaid winter coats in Malibu and then personally delivering them to a nonprofit organization for people in need.
He has volunteered for many years at The Midnight Mission (a homeless shelter in Los Angeles), participating in their activities around Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been involved in advocating for environmental protection and children’s health throughout his career.
He is the founder of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global environmental organization that works to protect the world’s major waterways. Through this organization, he has led numerous legal battles and advocacy efforts aimed at holding polluters accountable and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. This work has directly contributed to cleaner water and healthier environments for communities.
Kennedy also co-founded Children’s Health Defense (CHD), an organization dedicated to protecting children’s health by investigating and exposing the causes of chronic illness and disability. CHD focuses on issues related to environmental toxins, vaccines, and other factors impacting children’s well-being.
In his father’s legacy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spoken about the importance of empathy, compassion, and justice, particularly in relation to the poor and marginalized. He has referenced his father’s belief that America should be an “exemplary nation,” demonstrating the best of its values at home and abroad through diplomacy and aid rather than military force. He has also written a children’s book about St. Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his commitment to kindness and service to the poor.
While his public profile has recently been associated with controversy regarding public health policies, his career has been marked by efforts to advocate for environmental causes and raise awareness about children’s health issues.
This video below discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vision for community and kindness in America. You’ll notice that when he was hoping to become president of the United States, his platform wasn’t ‘win at all costs,’ but something gentler, built on promoting kindness.
Here are some thoughtful and impactful acts of kindness and philanthropy Snoop Dogg has been involved in:
In July 2023, Snoop Dogg donated $10,000 to help Josephine Wright, a 93-year-old woman in Hilton Head Island, S.C., preserve her ancestral land amid a contentious legal battle with developers. He shared, “I did it from the heart. She reminds me of my mother and grandmother.”
Founded in 2005, SYFL (Snoop Youth Football League) offers inner-city children opportunities in football and cheer, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and academics. In mid-2024, Raising Cane’s donated $100,000 to the league, with Snoop publicly expressing his gratitude.
His efforts also earned him the “Social Leadership” Award at City of Hope’s Songs of Hope fundraiser, recognizing the league’s positive impact on communities.
Amid devastating wildfires in early 2025, Snoop Dogg transformed his Inglewood clothing store into a hub for collecting donations – food, clothing, and essentials – for evacuees. He personally helped distribute items and even gave out free clothes to those impacted.
In the mid-2010s, Snoop repeatedly hosted Thanksgiving giveaways in Inglewood, handing out between 1,000 and 3,000 turkeys to families in need. He partnered with the mayor and local officials, aiming to ensure everyone could enjoy a holiday meal and engaging warmly with the community.
During a Hilarity for Charity event—Seth Rogen’s non-profit to raise Alzheimer’s awareness, Snoop auctioned off a blunt on stage, which fetched $10,000 for the cause.
In 2019, Snoop teamed up with Cash App for a Giving Tuesday campaign. Donations to his foundation, “Snoop’s Special Stars,” which organizes a football league where “EveryBODY plays,” were matched up to $200,000.
Snoop Dogg’s real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
In addition to being an astute businessman, he is best known for rap music. Unlike the majority of wrappers, he isn’t loud, but has a quieter, smoother style, which lends itself to a degree of crossover appeal.
His mom nicknamed him “Snoopy” because he reminded her of the Peanuts character, saying he acted like Snoopy, and looked like Snoopy.
Snoop is 6’4″ (193 cm) tall.
He was associated with the Rollin’ 20s Crips gang in Long Beach. Some of the estimated 32,000 members of the Crips alliance, who self-identify by wearing blue, have been accused of many crimes including murder. They have had a long standing rivalry with another Southern California coast gang called the Bloods.
Snoop has admitted to briefly working as a professional pimp in the early 2000s.
In 1993, he was charged with murder, but he was later acquitted. The actual murder was evidently committed by his bodyguard.
In 2006, he was temporarily banned from the UK due to a brawl at Heathrow Airport. Because some members of his entourage traveled in Economy class, they were not admitted into the British Airways First Class lounge. In the altercation, a duty-free shop was damaged and seven police were injured.
Snoop Dogg loves video games and has streamed himself playing Madden and other games.
Snoop is good friends with White billionaire Martha Stewart. Their unexpected friendship led to a cooking show and various collaborations.
After a trip to Jamaica, he converted to Rastafarianism and briefly changed his name to Snoop Lion and explored reggae music.
Banned from Australia and Norway: Both countries temporarily banned him due to legal issues.
He runs the Snoop Youth Football League a charitable organization for at-risk youth. He claims it has produced 20 NFL players.
Has a Genius-Level IQ: He reportedly scored 147 on an IQ test.
Snoop loves Bollywood: He once collaborated on an Indian film soundtrack and made a cameo in Singh is Kinng.
Unlike many rappers, he often freestyles in the studio. He doesn’t typically write down his lyrics.
Snoop Dogg smokes About 80 Joints a Day, according to his professional blunt roller.
He launched a new breakfast cereal called “Snoop Loopz.”
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Snoop has a Guinness world record for making the biggest paradise cocktail at 500 liters (132 gallons). The Paradise is officially recognized by the IBA – International Bartenders Association.
Here are several meaningful acts of kindness and philanthropy attributed to Liam Hemsworth:
When his Malibu home was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire, Liam and his wife Miley Cyrus donated $500,000 through the Happy Hippie Foundation to the Malibu Foundation. The funds supported emergency relief, helping those in financial need, community rebuilding, climate resilience, and wildfire prevention.
Miley praised Liam’s heroic efforts rescuing their pets – horses, dogs, pigs, and cats—during the evacuation, even joking about having to “spray them with the hose in the butt” to get them into the
.
In 2017, PETA Australia named him “Doggy Dad of the Year” for rescuing his dogs, Tani and Dora, from shelters, and for encouraging others to adopt rather than buy from breeders.
In 2013, Liam hosted a benefit premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in Knoxville, Tennessee, raising over $558,000 for local charities. He also spent time with teenagers with special needs, posing for photos and creating meaningful moments.
In 2016, Liam became the theatrical fundraising spokesperson for Brave Beginnings, a program within the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The initiative supports neonatal intensive care by providing essential equipment to hospitals, helping save countless premature infants.
In early 2025, Liam, along with brothers Chris and Luke, returned to Phillip Island, their hometown, and co-hosted a community fundraiser. The event raised approximately $1 million for wildlife conservation (especially for the island’s Little Penguins and coastal preservation) and local scholarship programs for aspiring filmmakers and actors.
Back in 2013, after humorously recounting to Jimmy Kimmel how he and Josh Hutcherson ate 90 White Castle burgers and ended up vomiting, the burger chain offered to donate $20,000 to a charity of his choice and inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
These actions reflect a compassionate and multifaceted approach to giving—from disaster relief and environmental conservation to children’s health and community support. Liam Hemsworth has leveraged his public platform for meaningful, tangible benefits across causes that align with his values.
Liam is 6’3″ (190cm) tall.
Has a Fear of Heights – Despite playing action roles, he has admitted to being afraid of heights.
Almost Got Attacked by a Shark – While surfing in Australia, he once had a close encounter with a shark.
Was in Neighbours – Before Hollywood, he starred in the famous Australian soap opera Neighbours, just like Margot Robbie and Russell Crowe.
Wrestled with Chris – Growing up, he and his brother Chris would have full-on wrestling matches at home.
Loves Playing Video Games – He is a fan of gaming, especially first-person shooters.
Used to Work at a Bowling Alley – One of his earliest jobs was in a bowling alley before he made it big.
Born in Australia – Liam was born on January 13, 1990, in Melbourne, Australia.
Liam’s mother, Leonie Hemsworth was an English teacher. His father, Craig was a social services counselor.
Liam has two older brothers, Chris and Luke, who are both also actors.
Liam’s Aunt Joanne Van Os, is a well-known author.
Youngest of Three – He is the youngest of the Hemsworth brothers, following Chris Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth.
Childhood Mischief – He once admitted that he and Chris would have intense fights as kids, even using weapons like BB guns and throwing knives at each other (playfully but dangerously!).
Surfer at Heart – Before acting, he spent much of his youth surfing in Phillip Island, Australia.
Worked in Construction – Before making it in Hollywood, he worked with his brother Chris in construction, laying floors.
Almost Played Thor – Liam originally auditioned for Thor but lost the role to his brother Chris.
Breakthrough Role – He gained worldwide fame playing Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games series.
Auditioned for Peeta – Before being cast as Gale, he actually auditioned for Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games.
First Major U.S. Film – His first major Hollywood movie was The Last Song (2010), where he starred opposite Miley Cyrus.
Replaced Henry Cavill – He was cast in The Expendables 2 after Henry Cavill dropped out.
Almost Played Han Solo – He auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Solo: A Star Wars Story but didn’t get the part.
Took Over The Witcher Role – He was chosen to replace Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher starting from season 4.
Starred in a Music Video – He appeared in Miley Cyrus’s When I Look at You music video in 2010.
Dislikes Watching Himself – He has admitted he finds it cringeworthy to watch his own performances.
Dated Miley Cyrus On and Off – He met Miley on The Last Song set in 2009, had an on-again, off-again relationship, got married in 2018, and divorced in 2020.
In 2018, their house burned down in the Woolsey fire, a wildfire in the suburbs of Los Angeles. They and their pets survived uninjured. Shortly after the fire, Liam and Miley made a half-million dollar contribution to the Malibu foundation to help others who lost their homes in the fire.
Had a Secret Engagement – He and Miley first got engaged in 2012, years before they actually got married. He was 22 at the time, and she was was 20.
Moved to Byron Bay – After his divorce from Miley, he moved back to Australia to live a quieter life.
Dated a Model – After Miley, he dated model Gabriella Brooks for several years.
Vegan Lifestyle – He was vegan, a person who does not any milk or meat products, for several years, but later stopped due to health reasons.
Loves Dogs – He has had multiple dogs and is a big animal lover.
Has a Goofy Side – Unlike his serious roles, he’s known to be a prankster and loves making people laugh.
Passionate About Fitness – He follows a strict workout regimen and often trains with Chris.
Not a Big Fan of Social Media – While he uses it, he prefers to keep his personal life private.
Here are a few genuine acts of kindness and philanthropy by Julia Roberts—demonstrating her generosity both on and off the screen:
On-Set Kindness & Personal Support
Myha’la Herrold, Roberts’ co-star in Leave the World Behind, shared how Jules gently massaged her hand during a particularly painful headache on set. She recalled: “She grabbed my hand and massaged [a trigger point right here]. … It was such a clear gesture to say, ‘We are safe here together’.”
People.com
Julia Stiles, who worked with Roberts on Mona Lisa Smile, praised her for her maternal instincts, recalling how Julia “took care of all the girls” on set, creating a nurturing and kind environment.
In a more recent reflection, Stiles revealed that Roberts offered her inspiring and compassionate advice during a difficult time around body image. Julia encouraged self-acceptance, reminding her that youth often overlooks its own beauty—a deeply caring gesture.
Charitable Campaigns & Causes
Julia partnered with Omaze on a “Choose Kind” t-shirt campaign to raise funds for PACER, a nonprofit dedicated to ending bullying and supporting people with disabilities. She lent her voice and popularity to promote kindness and inclusion.
A longtime supporter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), Roberts has auctioned lunches to benefit their Respect Awards, encouraged donations on her birthdays, and used her platform to emphasize the importance of safe, affirming schools for all students.
Broader Philanthropic Work
In 1995, Roberts visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to learn firsthand about UNICEF’s work—a move that encouraged a $10 million aid push. She’s also narrated a documentary about Rett syndrome to raise awareness and served as spokesperson and advisory board member for Earth Biofuels.
She has participated in charity events honoring Paul Newman, including performances in San Francisco to benefit The Painted Turtle, a specialty camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Her humanitarian efforts include supporting The Normal Heart on HBO and receiving the Award of Courage at an amfAR Gala for her work in raising AIDS awareness and kindness.
In a deeply touching memory, Roberts revealed that Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill after her birth. This act was rooted in friendship and mutual trust—her parents ran a theater school that the Kings’ children attended. As Julia reflected, “It sort of lays the groundwork for who you are.”
In Summary
Julia Roberts’ kindness spans personal gestures—like comforting actors on set and offering guidance to younger colleagues—to major philanthropic efforts including anti-bullying campaigns, LGBTQ+ advocacy, documentary narration, global relief, and honoring humanitarian legacies. Her story even reflects a foundational act of compassion that influenced her own compassion: the generosity shown to her family at birth.
Her Smile Is Insured – Julia Roberts’ famous smile is reportedly insured for $30 million!
She Wasn’t the First Choice for Pretty Woman – The role of Vivian was initially offered to Molly Ringwald, who turned it down.
Julia’s middle name is Fiona.
As a child, Julia originally dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but later discovered acting.
Julia is part of the 10% of the world’s population that is left-handed.
She’s Terrified of Water – Despite filming underwater scenes in Ben Is Back, she’s admitted to having a fear of being submerged.
Julia converted to Hinduism after working on Eat Pray Love.
She often wears prescription glasses but prefers contact lenses in public appearances.
Julia Roberts loves knitting and even knits on movie sets to relax.
Before fame, she worked at Baskin-Robbins.
She’s the First Woman to Earn $20 Million for a Movie. She made history with her paycheck for Erin Brockovich.
Julia prefers a quiet life and owns a ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
Unlike many Hollywood stars, Julia doesn’t drink coffee due to allergies.
She Once Lived in a Haunted House – Julia and her family experienced eerie happenings in an old house they rented.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for Julia’s hospital birth expenses when her parents couldn’t afford them.
She Was Once Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Actress – In the early 2000s, she topped the list.
She’s Never Had Plastic Surgery – She embraces natural aging and has said she’d rather let her face show her life’s experiences.
Julia took clarinet lessons as a child.
She’s a Huge Beatles Fan – Julia has said The Beatles are her favorite band of all time.
She Met Her Husband on a Movie Set – She met Danny Moder, a cinematographer, while filming The Mexican.
For more than 20 years, Julia has been battling Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a rare blood disease that can result in bruises on one’s body. It can also cause anemia, fever, kidney problems, headaches, confusion and sometimes seizures. The prognosis is good as long as one is receiving treatments which can include removing one’s blood and replacing it with healthy donor transfusions.
She’s Afraid of Tarantulas – Julia has a deep fear of large spiders. On the other hand, Billie Eilish has a pet tarantula.
Her parents named her after Julia Lennon, John Lennon’s mother.
Instead of displaying her Oscar for Erin Brockovich in a flashy case, it stays on an ordinary bookshelf.
