Human Kindness by John Francis
As November 13th is World Kindness Day, we are delighted that John ‘The Planetwalker’ Francis has agreed to answer some questions for us about his experience of remaining silent for 17 years, and his new book for children which is packed full of inspiring stories about kindness, optimism , respect and resilience.
For me walking became the vehicle of exploration of nature and our physical environment, but the silence was a door I entered that deepened my investigation. I realized that listening fully to someone was an act of kindness as much as sharing your thoughts and words with others. Reading is a form of hearing, and writing is sharing those thoughts that bubble up from the silence. After 17 years of listening, I knew I had to share what I had learned with others. Kindness is essential to our health and survival.
How did you communicate with people during that time and were there any benefits to being silence?
When I first stopped speaking. I mostly listened. After a while, I began to act things out and use rudimentary sign language and mime, drawings from my journal, and when all else failed, I might scribble a note on a piece of paper. Sometimes I wrote invisible words on the palm of someone’s hand.
Was there a difference between how you communicated with adults versus children?
I loved communicating with children when I was silent because they were more accepting, reminding me that I was a child too. They invited me to play. While it could also be playful, communication with adults often involved more scepticism and seriousness.
What are the standout stories that you included in the book and why do they demonstrate the importance of kindness so well?
Of the many stories of kindness in this book, I think it was essential to write about kindness during social conflicts, such as war and slavery. The Angel of Marye’s Heights and Harriet Tubman exemplify empathy and compassion. They allow us to imagine what it must feel like to act the way they did.
Why did you decide to write a book for young readers?
Writing my first book for adults was important because I had begun my walking and silent journey as an adult. But I always wanted to write a children’s book because I realized how much of who I am started as a child, with the influence of my parents and the world around me helping me to form who I would become.
What would you like young people to take away from the book?
I have learned during my Planetwalk that no matter what you do in life or what profession you follow, with kindness as your foundation, you will make a difference in the world that will benefit us all.
HUMAN KINDNESS: True Stories of Compassion and Generosity that Changed the World by John ‘The Planetwalker’ Francis, illustrated by Josy Bloggs is out now in hardback ( What on Earth Books)