Have you ever been in a situation where you could help somebody and you couldn't? It could be any type of circumstance, but an explanation you may give could be that there was really nothing you could do. While that's understandable, it's probably the same thing for the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan said. But then again, you would see them differently.
In an altruism study, thirty candidates were tasked with preaching the same sermon on the parable of the Good Samaritan. They were split into three groups, but each candidate had their own date and hall to deliver the sermon. But before they could get into the hall, they had to pass through a very narrow passageway. On their way, they would encounter a helpless man on the floor whom they would either have to help out to be on their way or walk over.
When each candidate of the first group arrived at the passageway, they were told that they were late. The second group, on time. And the last group, early. This is a crucial point in the study, and the aim was to see how many of the candidates would stop to help out the man on the floor.
The results. 60% of the people that had time on their hands chose to help the man, while only 10% of those without helped the man.
When you think about it, it kind of makes sense that those running late wouldn't stop to help. One may think, "It's not my responsibility to help this man, but it is my responsibility to get to my appointment in time. There might be someone else who could help this guy." And they would rightly think so. In reality, being responsible in your duty, especially when working with people, is a form of kindness. But then again, what about the helpless man that most of the people [who could have earlier claimed to be kind] ignored?
You could say that it is unkind to be in a position to help someone and not do it. The parable of the Good Samaritan does teach about loving everyone, including our enemies. But what about the external factors that could influence our behaviours? Like the time constraint, for example.
You see, the study basically showed that people with more resources in their hands had it easier in deciding on helping others. And it points to a driver of kindness that many don't exactly think of.
When you have more resources than you need for yourself alone, you are more likely to help people out of your abundance. But to be able to have that many resources to begin with, you need to first become a much better person and gain a good measure of prosperity. In other words, as paradoxical as it may sound, one of the best ways to help others is to first help yourself. Work harder to become a much better person, and you'll be more likely to be of service to others.