Who is one of the kindest people I know? What can I learn from their kindness?

My dear friend, O.F., is the kindest person I know.

Born and raised in the Irish Catholic Church’s notorious orphanages and Industrial Schools system, he was subjected throughout to the most appalling sexual, physical and emotional abuse from his putative carers. He was never the recipient of kindness. When he eventually left the system he was illiterate and, as is common for those from his background, he began a life of conning and criminality and was incarcerated for a number of years.

While in prison he became an insatiably curious autodidact who helped his fellow inmates with personal and legal matters. He has since become a world-renowned expert in a rather arcane field, as well as being an activist for social justice.

From his kindness and generosity to me and others, I have learned that a life of deprivation and cruelty does not necessarily quash an indomitable spirit, although I do recognise that, sadly, he is the exception rather than the rule.

I conducted 12 Step meetings in prisons for many years and I saw first-hand the still drastic need for penal reform to give new value to the lives of prisoners. O.F. is a shining example of just such a possibiity.