by Kathy Megyeri
Book: “Upworthy – Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity” by Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell, National Geographic, 2024
“When I called to file for short-term disability for breast cancer treatments, the man I talked to ended the call by saying, ‘You’ve got it.’ At such a scary time to have a complete stranger offer that kind of support to me over the phone was so impactful. Kind words mean so much.” — Melody H.
“A staff member at a railway station drove me to the next town as the train had broken down. I was on the way to see my mom. I had no idea that was to be the last time I ever saw her alive. That stranger has no idea just how much her kindness meant to me.” — Judie B.
Need proof that people are fundamentally good?
Upworthy, a social media platform organization that exists to share the best of humanity and prove that we have more in common than not, was founded in 2012. Its social streams reach 100 million people a month and prove that people stand up for what’s right, lift each other up, reflect love and see the best in humankind.
UC Berkley grad Gabriel Reilich has been Upworthy’s head of content since 2014 and believes the Internet is a force for good. Lucia Knell, a mental health advocate who combats negativity online, is vice-president. They posed the question of “What’s the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?” and were rewarded with thousands of replies and stories that offered a glimpse into people’s hearts, minds, and lives.
Related: Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17
The duo gathered 101 of the replies into this book to lift readers’ spirits and provide them with examples of the best of humanity. The themes that emerged became the six chapters of the book and serve as a source of comfort and reassurance that people – more often than not – are good at heart.
The chapters are “The Kindness of Strangers,” “Learn by Heart,” “It’s the Little Things,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “When I Needed it Most,” and “Away from Home.”
Related: A Love Letter to Your Reading Life
The stories are funny, moving, heartbreaking, inspiring and best of all, real. This book’s goal, to leave even the most unlikely reader feeling better about the world, proves undeniably that decency surrounds all of us.
The book provides emotional nourishment and is probably the best valentine you’ll ever give or receive. I will always remember one particular entry offered by Angela D.: “My son told me I smell like love.”
