How essential is it for people to be nice to one another?

I’d say being nice to one another is absolutely essential, although it can sound a bit basic. In everyday life, kindness acts like social glue: it makes families, workplaces, and communities easier to live in. If people are constantly rude or suspicious, even small interactions become stressful. But when people show patience, respect, and consideration, it creates a sense of trust, which is something every society needs in order to function well. There are also very practical benefits. Being nice can reduce conflict, improve cooperation, and make ordinary situations more pleasant, whether it’s helping a colleague, giving up a seat, or simply speaking politely to a stranger. It doesn’t mean people have to be weak or agree with everyone. In fact, I think real kindness often involves being honest but doing it in a tactful way. As for whether friendliness is natural or taught, I think it’s a mixture of both. Human beings probably have an instinct for empathy, especially towards people close to them, but kindness has to be developed through upbringing, education, and social experience. Children learn a lot by watching adults, so if they grow up seeing people treat others with dignity, they are more likely to do the same. So, in my view, kindness may start as a natural tendency, but it needs to be encouraged and practised.