BY: JESSICA BEUKER

Everyday our eyes and ears are bombarded with images and stories of tragedy, heartbreak, loss, suffering and injustice. It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity that circulates through the headlines, and plants itself in our lives. What’s often harder is seeing the good in situations, and in people.

But if you look for it, you will often find it. Genuine kindness and compassion does exist; the negative just over shadows it. Whether it’s a simple thing, such as leaving a touching, and heartfelt letter for a stranger, or a more complex issue, like fighting your battles with non-violent tactics, the good in humanity is all around us.

These five TED Talks show us just that. Focusing on a variety of subjects from war, to identity and acceptance, to plain ol’ random acts of kindness. Watch below and have your faith in humanity restored.

1. Hannah Brencher: Love letters to strangers

2. Alberto Cairo: There are no scraps of men

3. Andrew Solomon: Love, no matter what

4. Scilla Elworthy: Fighting with non-violence

5. Rick Smolan: The story of a girl

Image sources: plos.org