“Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice. Gifts are easy -- they're given after all. Choices can be hard.”

Simplified Meaning:

Being smart or clever is something that comes naturally, like a present you receive. You don't have to work for it—it's just there. On the other hand, being kind is something you have to decide to do. It doesn't just happen on its own. Making the choice to be kind can be difficult because it often requires effort and empathy. For example, think about a situation at school where there is a new student. A clever person might quickly understand the rules and make top grades. But a kind person will go a step further—they might choose to help the new student feel welcome by inviting them to sit together at lunch or guiding them around. This decision to reach out and support someone is what makes kindness special. When you're faced with a choice, such as helping someone in need or standing up for a friend, choosing kind actions can be challenging but very rewarding. Kindness impacts the world positively and creates a supportive environment, while cleverness helps solve problems. Both are good, but kindness is something you actively have to work on each day.