Have you ever found yourself in a new environment—whether for work or socially—unsure how to act, relate to others, or even what tone to use? These awkward situations, that can sometimes lead to anxiety and are often tied to what psychologists describe as a fear of rejection, are more common than we might think.
Roz, a fictional character created by Peter Brown in The Wild Robot, experiences something similar when stranded on a remote, wild island. Roz must navigate an unfamiliar world, learning to adapt to nature and animals, eventually becoming an integral part of the ecosystem.
Roz, also known as Rozzum Unit 7134, is the protagonist in Brown’s 2016 children’s book, which explores themes of survival, nature, and empathy. The book, which DreamWorks recently adapted into an animated movie, has gained worldwide popularity.
The Ultimate Kindness Movie
While humans are mostly absent from The Wild Robot, there are plenty of lessons and reflections for us. This acclaimed animated movie overflows with themes of love, care, and empathy, but it has been especially recognized as a story about Kindness. Lupita Nyong’o, who voices Roz, describes the film as a testament to the power of Kindness: “I hope that [viewers] are thoroughly entertained by it, that it lingers with them long after they’ve seen the movie, and that they’re empowered by the message about Kindness being a superpower that we should all engage with,” Nyong’o said in a recent interview with Refinery 29.
Screenwriter and director Chris Sanders explained how, in Peter Brown’s view, Kindness acts as a survival skill. “Peter Brown revealed to us in our very first conversation that the guiding principle on his mind while writing the book was the idea that Kindness could be a survival skill. That’s the concept we discussed regarding Roz; it’s the idea that stuck with me about the story: cooperation and Kindness are powerful—they are not weaknesses but strengths.”
The theme of Kindness as a survival skill resonates in other stories that have captivated audiences of all ages before. In Paddington, for instance, the bear’s openness and generosity change the lives of everyone around him, revealing the power of Kindness to bridge cultural and generational divides. Similarly, in WALL-E, the robot’s small, gentle gestures spark compassion in others and, ultimately, play a role in humanity’s restoration.
That’s the concept we discussed regarding Roz; it’s the idea that stuck with me about the story: cooperation and Kindness are powerful—they are not weaknesses but strengths.”: Chris Sanders, director of The Wild Robot.
Kindness to Others: In the rawness of wild nature, The Wild Robot shows that Kindness can be as powerful as it is universal. Studies show that regular acts of Kindness increase happiness, enhance life satisfaction, reduce depression, and improve mental health for both the giver and the receiver.
Even a single act of selflessness—supporting others without expecting anything in return—can spark a chain of positive actions. This “contagious” behavior can foster a shared sense of purpose and transform entire communities for the better.
Kindness to the Earth: While the movie does not detail Earth’s current condition, it’s clear that the planet has changed, forcing humans to grow their food and create new social dynamics. In a world crying out for a break, with world leaders gathering at the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16), The Wild Robot reminds us of the importance of caring for our resources, animals, and every living creature we share this planet with.
So next time you feel butterflies before an important meeting, a college presentation, or on your first day at a challenging job, remember what makes us human: try being Kind, as it might be all you need to succeed.
KindWorks.AI is a company that helps leaders unlock the full potential of their people through Kindness. We seamlessly increase well-being, productivity, and results with your current team. Want to know more? Book a demo and see in real life how Kindness can be the key to revolutionizing your workplace.