proverb · Legacy record
In times of need, kindness is more than ever sweet.
In times of need, kindness is more than ever sweet.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Kindness sweeter in need gives considerate help a heightened value during difficulty. The saying connects support with the circumstances in which it is received.
What the words are saying
Sweet is an appreciation image rather than a universal emotional response. A useful interpretation asks what assistance is actually welcome and feasible. Help need not create an unlimited debt, and a person receiving it should retain dignity, agency and the right to set boundaries.
Everyday example
Someone offers appropriate help during a difficult period and asks what the recipient would find useful.
When to use it
Use it to discuss considerate support with consent and capacity respected.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No guaranteed gratitude or unlimited obligation from receiving help is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Colombia
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 209; PDF page 25; collection label: Colombia
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Colombia