Pay It Forward

by Kenyon Bennett

The  concept of  “pay it forward” can be traced to a play in ancient Athens in 317 B.C. The comedy’s title was “Dyskolos,” meaning “The Grouch.” More recently, the idea can be traced to “Pay It Forward,” a 2000 American romantic drama film starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment.

“Pay it forward” means that when someone extends kindness to you, instead of returning a kindness to that initial person, you would perform a kind-hearted action for someone else. An example of this would be the following: You are in the drive-through line at McDonald’s. Someone leaves behind $12 with the cashier at the window and says, “Pay it forward.” That person drives away, and you pull up to the window. The cashier tells you that your meal has been paid for by the person who had been in front of you. Theoretically, “to pay it forward,” you would then pay for the meal of the person behind you in line. You would guess how much the cost might be and leave money with the cashier. 

“Pay it forward” is easy to understand, but associating any kindness with money seems to negate the considerate spirit behind a benevolent action. Trying to figure out a maxim that means the same as “pay it forward” but deleting the word “pay” from the idea has been difficult. Last weekend, hearing that “anger begets anger” caused reflection. How about this? Consciously get rid of the words “pay it forward.” Use the proverb “kindness begets kindness” instead. That’s close enough. The word “pay” is not associated with the concept, and others will still remember the kindness extended to them. Although not obligated to do so, maybe the person receiving a kindness might in turn demonstrate thoughtfulness when interacting with another person.

“Kindness begets kindness.” There, nice thought.