“It’s nice to be important.
But it’s more important to be nice.”
Amidst a world consumed by status, achievement, and power, there exists one simple phrase that is distinct: “It’s nice to be important. But it’s more important to be nice.” This mantra, typically associated with successful and famous individuals, represents an enduring reality. Niceness, rather than importance, has a lasting effect. Combined with the concept of “holding the door open,” it challenges us to place empathy, respect, and generosity above self-aggrandisement. This view challenges us to reimagine what it means to be a meaningful person in an extremely competitive, status-oriented culture. I always advocated “First be a good human being, then anything else (officer or professional), and ‘keep your head on your shoulders and feet on the ground”.
Fundamentally, the quote recognises the lure of significance. Getting noticed through a well-respected job title, a big social media following, or popular applause is gratifying. Importance means opening doors, bestowing influence, and usually bestowing tangible advantages. But the latter half of the quote kindly reminds us that being pleasant is even more important. Kindness, expressed through little things such as holding the door or bigger things such as advising a coworker, transcends the fleeting quality of status. It’s a currency anyone can access, with no riches or strength necessary—only will.
The slogan “Hold the Door Open” turns this concept into an empowering metaphor. Literally, to hold a door is a small act, a quick delay to facilitate someone’s passage. Figuratively, it is making room for others—providing opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and exercising respect. It’s about noticing the dignity in the people around us, whether strangers, coworkers, or friends. This tiny thing encapsulates the spirit of niceness: caring about others more than oneself, if only for a moment.
Kindness.
Importance is fleeting. Titles come and go, awards tarnish, and social media numbers rise and fall with algorithms. But kindness lingers. Others will forget your title or the trophies lining your shelf, but they will never forget how you made them feel—cherished, held, or elevated. As Maya Angelou famously noted, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Niceness makes memories that endure.
Furthermore, niceness brings folks together. In workplaces, compassionate leaders create cohesive, high-performing teams. A 2018 Journal of Social Psychology study found that individuals with a focus on status tend to experience more stress and less life satisfaction, and those who emphasise relationships report more well-being. Niceness creates trust, deepens bonds, and encourages collaboration. In our everyday lives, it creates communities in which individuals feel seen and respected, combating loneliness that is now rampant in our age of technology.
The ripple effect of kindness is another reason that it is of great importance. One act, such as holding a door open or saying a nice word, can lead others to perform the same. Research in positive psychology, such as studies conducted by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, indicates that acts of kindness increase happiness for both the recipient and the giver of the act, perpetuating a “virtuous cycle” of kindness. This ripple effect of kindness can change workplaces, neighbourhoods, and even cyberspace, areas where conflict too often dominates.
The Myth of Kindness as Weakness
Others view kindness as a weakness, especially in a competitive environment where toughness pays. They misunderstand niceness as passivity or naivety and think it leaves one open to exploitation. Kindness, however, is not weakness—it’s strength. It takes guts to choose compassion over ego, even when confronted with hostility or apathy. Being nice does not equate to conflict avoidance or compromising standards; it means facing problems with dignity and integrity.
Kindness: Real-World Impact
What’s wonderful about kindness is that it’s simple to practice. It doesn’t require grand gestures or a high position—just intention. Consider Jadav Payeng, the “Forest Man of India,” who transformed a barren sandbar into a thriving forest. Without seeking fame, he began planting trees in the 1970s on a desolate island in Assam’s Brahmaputra River, dedicating decades to nurturing a 1,400-acre forest that now supports diverse wildlife. His work is like holding the door open for future generations, showing that ordinary individuals can create extraordinary change through kindness.
In daily life, small actions add up. A teacher staying late to help a struggling student, a neighbor assisting an elderly resident with errands, or a colleague sharing credit on a project—these small acts may not grab headlines, but they transform lives. In the business world, companies like Amul embody this spirit. Founded under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, Amul empowered millions of Indian farmers through its cooperative model, prioritizing fair trade and community welfare over mere profit. By keeping the door open for rural livelihoods, Amul shows that businesses can thrive while placing kindness at the heart of success.
Practical Practices
Adopting this ethic is simple but revolutionary. These are five ways to practice kindness every day:
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- Active Listening. Listen to someone with your undivided attention without judging. Being heard is a great gift that validates others’ experiences.
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- Mentorship and Support. Give back by sharing knowledge or opportunities with newcomers. A single interaction can provide new opportunities.
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- Supporting Others. Leverage your platform—however small—to share others’ success or cause, encouraging inclusivity.
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- Everyday Gestures. Smile at a stranger, thank a service worker, or provide assistance without being requested. These minor gestures breed a culture of kindness.
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- Community Involvement. Give back, give your time, or donate to local charities. Small acts contribute to big changes.
The Legacy of Kindness
At the end of life, few are remembered by their titles or fortunes. Rather, it is the anecdotes of kindness—how one made others feel valued, nurtured, or inspired—that endure. According to a 2020 Frontiers in Psychology study, acts of altruism relate to increased life satisfaction and decreased stress, suggesting that kindness does good for others and blesses our own lives. Holding the door open for another is a legacy that surpasses fleeting moments of significance.
In an interconnected but too often fractured world, kindness is a courageous act. Social media amplifies egos and the quantifications of “importance,” yet a kind word, the willingness to listen, or to share someone’s triumph can shift the dynamic of our interactions. According to the World Health Organisation, with increasing levels of depression and anxiety, small gestures of kindness—such as visiting a friend or offering a compliment—can counteract loneliness and foster a sense of connection.
Conclusion
“Nice to be important. But more important to be nice” is not just a catchphrase—yet it may be the key to an extraordinary life. Opening the door, whether in small acts of kindness or great sacrifice, makes the world a place where every individual has a chance to thrive. Genuine greatness is not measured by how high we climb but by how many we bring with us.
So next time you’re walking toward a door—literal or metaphorical—pause. Turn around. Someone may be counting on you to leave the door open. In that instant, you validate a fact the world so desperately needs to hear: kindness is the currency of our age, a brilliance outshining status and outlasting years. Let’s opt to leave the door open, showing that being nice is not only vital—it’s everything.
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Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
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