02
The noble life
O
ne of the most dramatic illustrations of
someone living a kind life is that exhibited
by ex-convict Jean Valjean in the novel
Les Misérables. If kindness epitomises the qualities
of being friendly, generous, and considerate,
then Valjean lives this out in his dealing with
Cossette, the daughter of one of his anonymous
and insignifi cant factory workers. Valjean takes
responsibility for Cossette in line with the
20
deathbed request of her mother. With a plot set in
19th-century France, we see this one man shine
out in the darkness of despair as again and again
he expresses incredible acts of kindness to ensure
Cossette’s happiness. Whether people are kind for
selfi sh reasons or altruistic ones, there is no doubt
that there is incredible power in being kind to
others. As Valjean’s life illustrates, its impact can
be felt physically, emotionally, and spiritually.