Last Hubnugget Hub of 2011....Cheers!
72
Pay It Forward
Franz Kafka had a short story called 'The Hunger Artist', about a man who showed his craftsmanship in a cage for a fee at amusement parks. People stopped by to see his rigorous fasting, curious in their minds but indifferent in their hearts. The artist himself did not care about them; he was there to fast only for himself to the point he would do it for free.
I recall this story now and then when I see a homeless person on a street corner. There he stands, in the winter cold, staring at us; and we, drivers in our warm cars are staring at him (some though try to avoid eye contact). It's a strange ritual in which we all participate and each of us has different moral approaches to this phenomenon. Usually I don't give money, not because I'm cheap, but because I have always believed in the "teach them to fish so they can eat for a lifetime" philosophy. And sometimes I wonder if my money will only go for a drink for them, and that will inadvertently make me responsible for keeping them in their plight. At least that is how I think.
What happened yesterday made me ponder further. I went to a gas station to fill a tire with air. The self-service pump was left working; apparently someone had just driven away. Since I only had one tire to fill, I used all the air, which saved me 75 cents that I would normally pay for air. As soon as I was done with the tire, I overheard someone calling me and asking something. I turned around: it was a man and he wanted money; I said I had none and got in the car and then realized that I still had three quarters in my hand. As I drove on I thought more about it. I was given the air for free and indirectly used someone else's money. Now I'm a person who never asks for money or any assistance, so this situation made me feel rather uncomfortable. I should have given the money to the guy, I thought trying to analyze the dissonance I felt, but he was already miles away left behind.
So today I drove by this other what I assumed homeless man on the street. I felt compelled to give him money to make up for yesterday. Why? He had nothing to do with it. But I realized he earned it by just doing his "thing" in the cold as Kafka's Hunger Artist. As I was trying to dig in my purse, the green light came on and I had no option but to press on the gas pedal. Too late! And then I became strangely calm, at peace with everything: each to their own, and I got the air for free, so they will get something for free from someone else, Hopefully!!
Lesson learned is that a new year is coming and we should practice as many acts of kindness as possible. Maybe the last person that used the air at the store was "paying it forward". Granted it is a small token but a good deed just the same. We cannot put monetary value on acts of kindness because most people could use our time and attention rather than money and it certainly has more value. I guess my message today is just be kind to each other and try to do a good deed everyday no matter how small, and perhaps that person will do the same and eventually the world will be a better place. Happy New Year Everyone.....Cheers.
The categories this week are Travel and Places, Books, Literature and Writing, and Politics and Social Issues. The hubs are great reads so please don't forget to vote for your favorites.
Which one of this week's Travel and Places nominees is your favorite?
- 5% The Best of The City of Orlando - Travel and tourism information for the non-tourist in the Orlando area
- 8% Ten Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
- 13% The 12 Hottest Rooftop Bars With Spectacular Views in NYC
- 2% Edisto Beach, SC: The Inside Scoop
- 17% Things to Do Outside of Disney Theme Parks in Orlando
- 56% Riding an Amtrak Train Overnight — Tips for First-Time Rail Travelers
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Travel and Places Nominees
- The Best of The City of Orlando - Travel and tourism information for the non-tourist in the Orlando
Visiting Orlando and tired of the same old Disney nonsense? Try some of these non-touristy travel ideas for the Central Florida area. - Ten Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Visit Kandy, Sri Lanka. Here are the best ten ways to spend time in Kandy while having fun and relaxation. - The 12 Hottest Rooftop Bars With Spectacular Views in NYC
Looking for the hottest nightspots and spectacular views in New York City? Well, look up, because New York's party scene isn't just limited to the street-level but extends atop the roofs of trendy high-rise hotels. Manhattan's rooftop bars, some of.. - Edisto Beach, SC: The Inside Scoop
Read to discover the allure and secrets of Edisto Beach in sunny South Carolina. Get the inside scoop on this lovely uncommercialized barrier island. It may be your next vacation destination! - Things to Do Outside of Disney Theme Parks in Orlando
Who goes to Orlando and doesn't stop by the Disney theme parks?! When each theme park can cost you $85 and up per person, those are some choices people make. And that's all okay because there are still plenty of entertaining activities and attraction - Riding an Amtrak Train Overnight — Tips for First-Time Rail Travelers
Traveling overnight on an Amtrak train can be an unusual, enjoyable, and even exciting adventure. Hopefully, some of the tips in this article will be helpful if and when you decide to try this unique travel experience.
Which one of this week's Books, Literature, and Writing nominees is your favorite?
- 9% Is Literature always subjective? Could someone validly claim The Catcher In The Rye is garbage?
- 7% Words that don't make the perfect couple
- 19% Children Books and folktales of Hawaii: This Ain't Your Three Little Bears
- 17% Essential Websites for Writers
- 38% How To Improve Your Creative Writing: Show, Don’t Tell!
- 10% Ebb and Flow of Water
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Books, Literature, and Writing Nominees
- Is Literature always subjective? Could someone validly claim The Catcher In The Rye is garbage?
As I'm taking a college Literature class, I've been subject to many plays and novels that are supposed to enhance both my knowledge of and appreciation for American Literature. We've read Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, and multiple... - Words that don't make the perfect couple
Oxymorons are a figure of speech that combines contradictory words, an example would be jumbo shrimp. There are so many oxymorons in the world that most people don't even realize they say them. The words do not fit together. - Children Books and folktales of Hawaii: This Ain't Your Three Little Bears
See how traditional tales from Japan made it across the sea to Hawaii and became an integral part of children books in Hawaii. - Essential Websites for Writers
Whether you need a hand-up with some research, are looking for the right word, want some advice or feedback from your fellow writers or want to find the perfect literary agent, the Internet is able to provide plenty of resources for the writer in nee - How To Improve Your Creative Writing: Show, Don’t Tell!
The golden rule for creative writing is "Show, don't tell." But why is it important, and how do you use it effectively? Here are some tricks of the trade for both aspiring writers and veterans alike. - Ebb and Flow of Water
The rich reef waters off Lemlunay Dive Resort in Sarangani Province in the Philippine Islands. When I was a little girl, I'd always find myself near the water's edge, much to my dismay. My little toes would inch toward the seawater lapping at the...
Which one of this week's Politics and Social Issues nominees is your favorite?
- 8% Why Do People Swear?
- 32% Is Learning Languages the Solution to Racism?
- 9% Horrors of the Diamond Industry
- 8% What's wrong with people these days?
- 31% December 17th: A Day The World Stood Together
- 11% Three Great Peacemakers - Mother Teresa, Rigoberta Menchu, and Deganawida
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Politics and Social Issues Nominees
- Why Do People Swear?
You hear foul language everywhere from people of all ages. Not everyone is accustomed to such filthy language but it is a part of the culture. Everyone utters a cuss word or two during their daily lives. Some people use it casually and others say it. - Is Learning Languages the Solution to Racism?
It seems that multiculturalism is inevitable, but for how long are we willing to resist it? Indeed, racism is still evident in society today. Perhaps, learning languages will be the solution. Read on... - Horrors of the Diamond Industry
Diamonds hold a special place in western society. They are symbols not only of eternity and wealth, but of love as well. They are said to be priceless, and each is claimed to be unique and precious, but the truth is quite the opposite. Diamonds are.. - What's wrong with people these days?
Why has society become so jaded? What is wrong with people that they have lost their moral compasses, mistreat animals and still get dogs for company or security? People have become lazy and used to computers, automation and smart phones to get by, a - December 17th: A Day The World Stood Together
This hub is recap of a few of the protests, going on globally, on December 17th. The happenings in London, Cairo, New York City, and Tunisia are featured. - Three Great Peacemakers - Mother Teresa, Rigoberta Menchu, and Deganawida
These three incredible people have contributed immensely to human history. Their accomplishments in helping to create a better humanity have made them famous. What makes a great Peacemaker? Each one of these people is a prime example of...
To All The Wannabes Out There
To All The Wannabe Hubbers Out There
The Hubnugget program is a great way to start your hubbing career. It’s a great way to get noticed and get to know lots of fellow hubbers out there; after all, one of the reasons you have joined Hubpages is to get read by others.
When you are nominated by the Hubnugget team then it’s a great idea to start promoting it, such as telling all your family and friends to read and vote for your hub. Feel proud that you are part of that Elite group of people that have been nominated. Many of which are very successful here on Hubpages.
The rules are very simple and easy to achieve. To be nominated you need to write a well written hub with lots of info and perhaps some pictures to compliment your storyline. Be sure to use as many of the capsules that are available and your hub pages score has to be 75 or higher. Your hub that was nominated needs to be above 55. If you are one of the winners, then you will be profiled in our next Hubpages newsletter, and viewed by thousands of hubbers, therefore resulting in you getting a lot of views and possibly some revenue. So Congrats to all the nominees and best of luck to all of you.
- About the HubNuggets Program
Each week 18 great Hubs written by new Hubbers are nominated in the HubNuggets contest. We invite the HubNuggets community to vote for their favorites, and the winners are featured in our newsletter. Visit this Learning Center guide to learn more.
- If The Shoe Fits
Its time once again to announce our new hubnugget wannabes. This weeks categories are Business and Employment, Technology, and Family and Parenting. So make sure you read and vote but before we get to that a fairtytale for you! Once upon a... - The Night Before Christmas Eve HubNugget
Twas the night before Christmas Eve and all through HubLand, Nothing was going the way anyone planned. The decorations were in boxes, the tree it was bare, And wherever you looked no spirit was there. Maddie was tired and Patty was... - What are HubNuggets?
You may have noticed a super sticky Forum thread that changes every week- one which always curiously refers to HubNuggets. This Forum links you to a curious Hub full of wacky shenanigans and voting capsules regarding several selections of Hubs. What.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (6)
- Funny (2)
- Awesome (12)
- Beautiful (3)
- Interesting (9)
CommentsLoading...
Read, voted, voted up and shared! A thought provoking hub to end the year with! Congratulations to all the nominees - make sure you get out there and promote and vote :D
Happy New Year everyone!
A HubNuggets Hub dedicated to making the world in 2012 a better place- love it! I daresay these Hubs make the world a better place- the nominees are splendid this week!
I've voted and see someone else has, too. Can't wait to see who the winners are!
Maybe just maybe, that man at the air pump was conducting a basic 'psychology of people' test, and he was testing to see if people would be in a giving mood after receiving something for free.
Great hub! Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year!
Another list of great choices LadyJane! Thanks for bringing these hubs to our attention.
Your hub was very thought provoking. I too suffer with this internal struggle. In Los Angeles I saw two women on a corner with a sign "need money for food", well one of them was at least 300 lbs. My best friend read a sign carrier with a "need money for food" the riot act because the person was sporting expensive tennis shoes. She told the woman I can't even afford those shoes and I have a job!! So I balance it out by giving to charities that feed the hungry, and ignore those on street corners.
I refuse to give to support an addictive habit or some pride less person too lazy to get a job. Therefore, I give to my church and food agencies that I know will feed the hungry and destitute. Thank you for sharing, voted up, marked useful, awesome and interesting.
I find it humorous that your tendency is to "not give money" but after your good luck with the air machine, you felt compelled to move in that direction to offset your own good fortune. Failure to complete that loop ended in initial disappointment but obviously the longer you had to think about it all the more you were inclined to get back to your "no money" philosphy. Can you imagine falling into a mindset in which you toured about town looking for "free air" all the time...obessessed with the idea of getting it? It could happen....Happy New Year! WB
Great hub, Lady Jane. What a wonderful way to ring in the New Year with a reminder to pay it forward, and always indulge in random acts of kindness!
Congratulations to all the nominees - get out there and promote your hubs!
What a thoughtful Hub to end the year, LadyJane1. You do the HubNuggets team credit!
Great reading. It's wonderful to see that there remains those with a social conscious for the well being of humanity.
Excellent HUB awesome I agree totally and love your video.. I voted up and awesome
Happy New Year..
Debbie
A good New Year's resolution to have, yet I think it's one of the most made-yet-forgotten, unfortunately. I have to admit that when I see homeless begging for money on the side of the road, I'm overcome with a sudden interest with what is in the opposite direction. It should not be this way and often times instills a depression in me that lasts for a while.
Your charitable thoughts serve you well, young Skywalker...er..Ladyjane1. It was encouraging to read this Hub story and think about it for the end of this year and beginning of a new one. It is really very fine material for thought.
Happy New Year Ladyjane.
I share the same sentiments on giving to the poor and tend to sum up the situation carefully.
I once gave all the change I had on me to a man who offered to watch my car in my absence but when he complained about my offer I had a change of heart.
My husband was once caught out by giving money and clothes to a woman who was going from house to house begging. All the while her husband was waiting in their expensive car around the corner to take the collections. They had scammed the whole neighborhood.
I do however have heart for the genuine poor.
Happy new year!
ladyjane, a truly thought provoking hub. I believe that everyone should reach out to their fellow man. I do believe in helping those who try to help themselves. Up and awesome.
Great picks and wonderful story. I believe that random acts of kindness should be every day of the year, and always to pay it forward.
Interesting story, I was raised to believe that what goes around, comes around. So, I try to do random acts of kindness to help others and boost my spirit. There are some great hubbers and topics here, it was hard to decide which one I like best. Happy New Year! I hope you had a fun one.
A wondrous hub to make us rethink about giving and receiving and kindness and compassion in between! Congratulations to all the Hubnuggets nominees and Happy New Year to one and all. Much love and light.
Pamela so very nice to see you and I know what you mean, it seems people are hesitant to smile first because they don't know how people are going to react and they are guarded. Its great that you smile first. Happy New Year and thanks for reading. Cheers.
Enelle thank you very much and I hope you have a great new year. Cheers.
Simone I agree the hubs are great and so far many people have voted, awesome. Thanks for visiting!
Fitnezzjim that is a very real possibility and I guess he accomplished his goal because it really got me to thinking. Thanks for reading and commenting.
carolinemd21 thanks for reading and commenting. Have a great New year as well.
pmccray so you understand what I mean, I don't want to seem like I don't want to give to people who need it but I know there are people out there who will use the money for anything other than food. I think your idea about giving to churches and organizations to feed the hungry is very nice. Have yourself a great year.
Wayne my friend great to see you and your comment is very interesting. I don't think however that I would be out looking for free air lol but I see your point. I think I did feel lucky in the moment and I guess that doesn't happen very often lol so maybe out of a sense of obligation I felt guilty about not helping that man. Oh well like I said its a New Year. Great to see you cowboy. Cheers to you.
Okay, I'm reading. I've voted on one category so far, but will finish reading and voting soon. I like your hub, by the way. Random acts of kindness and small kind deeds- I'm IN!
Happy New Year sis! Loved the hub and I agree - when we share acts of kindness it's like a snow ball effect and hopefully comes back around when we need it!! Blessings to you and have much success on hubpages in 2012!
An excellent reminder, ladyjane. As someone who grew up with very little, I always try to give whatever I can in whatever ways I can. Donations instead of throwing things out. Giving restaurant leftovers to someone who's hungry. Throwing a few coins in a donation pot. There are so many small ways we can all make a difference... we just have to remember to do so!
Thank you for the excellent hubnuggets compilation, as well. Voting is another way to pay it forward - to some of us, the nomination means more than we can adequately express and makes all the difference in our chosen profession! Kudos! (^_^)
Rated up/awesome.
A little act of kindness will surely go a long way lady jane. Great list of hubs too!
Great hub. It's wonderful to see that there remains those with a social conscious for the well being of humanity.
Very well written.Voted up and Awesome.
Thanks @ Ladyjane for sharing the cool hubnugget awardee or wannabee listings, as you do from time to time so very eloquently. I won't ever forget when I first joined and recieved mine as well.
You have a true gift & way with using words that mean something to us all. Your not just writing to write, and earn money. I see more in your writing then that, your spirit of giving in the beginning of this awesome hub, shows all of humanity a lesson that's been taught elsewhere in movies such as pay it forward. We are living in this vast globe together, and so its only wise to share and share alike.
Since I've joined here on hubpages, I've grown to utilize such a spirit, by reading as many hubs as I come in contact with, even those not so appealing ones.
Hopefully by leaving insightful comments and following many of the great writers, I've added to this sharing theme & hope many new hubbers come to learn the same.
Powerful message here & voted up in every way possible.
so true! I like this :)
Is there an easier way to find the HubNuggets each week? Maybe on the homepage? Just wondering.
Great hub sis, I know exactly what your'e saying, Ive had that sort of experience at one time or another. And my resolution for this year is to be kind to one another, peace is a wonderful thing love ya sis:) ge
Great message! Kindness is a beautiful thing :)
Thanks for the Follow @ Ladyjane, I truly enjoyed this hub here, and cant wait to start reading more of your hubs.
Fne efforts on behalf of Hubbers generally and some specifically. Charity begins at home, but a good home practices throughout their society as well.
Pamela99 Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago
It's interesting how we can analyze an event after it happens over and over again. As you stated, a new year is coming and hopefully I will always be kind and generous if possible. I have noticed this year how each person I encounter when out shopping will smile and be very nice when I smile first. I guess it is treating other people the way we want to be treated.