In the chaotic heart of a raging wildfire, a man paused. His gaze was drawn to a distressing sight: a snake, trapped and burning, teetering on the brink of death. Without a second thought, he decided to rescue it.

With his bare hands, he carefully reached in to pull the creature from the inferno. But true to its reptilian instinct when faced with peril, the snake lashed out and bit him fiercely, sending a searing pain through his hand. In a natural reaction, the man recoiled, dropping the snake, and it fell back into the swirling flames.

A bystander, witnessing the entire event, was utterly astonished. When they saw the man quickly find a metal pole and, once again, resolutely pull the snake out of the fire, saving its life, the bystander couldn’t contain their curiosity and asked, “It bit you! Why are you still trying to save it?”

The man looked at the newly freed snake, then turned to his questioner, his eyes calm and his voice unwavering: “The snake’s nature is to bite. But that will never change my nature, which is to help.”

This simple story serves as a profound reminder of the enduring power of kindness. In life, we may encounter negative reactions or ingratitude when we try to help others. But our human nature – our empathy, compassion, and altruism – should not be swayed by such experiences.

Because, like the man in the story, true value lies in holding firm to our good nature, regardless of circumstances or the actions of others. Kindness is not a transaction; it is a choice.