Kindness for your robber?!

I really LOVED this story. It’s so amazing to hear about people like this, who are so unbelievably kind in situations when they really should have no reason to be. Thank you for sharing this. It is a great reminder to be nice to EVERYONE.

Wow, what a brave and lovely man! I’m sure I would have run for my life, maybe even called the cops.

It’s a reminder that if you can step back and look at the context that there’s always more to the story.

I like the fact Julio paused and asked better questions, such as the motivation behind the act. It’s easy to go into fight or flight, but it looks like Julio managed to stay rational.

I’m glad the story ended well.

Talk about presence of mind! I don’t think I would have even thought of doing that; I’d be in so much shock.

Thanks for sharing the story. It’s made me think about what I would/could do in a similar situation…

I blogged about this too. What an amazing story.

Hi Giovanna, this is truly an amazing story.

I never heard a kind of story like this. The moral is if we treat people kindly, the kindness will bounce back to us. Once again, good overcomes evil

Thank you for sharing this story, Giovanna.

An amazing story Giovanna, one that demonstrates how each of us has the power to change the life of another through our own actions.

Imma be honest, Once i got the kid’s trust in me, I would kick in him the nuts and beat the shit out of him.

I have to be honest, it sounds like an elaborate made up story. But, its a nice sentiment.

Giovanna, He did a good thing. He is lucky that he did not get hurt. Glad that he did not. We can only hope that it made a difference in the teens life for the better. Nice job Gio.
Dan and Deanna “Marketing Unscrambled”

Hi Gio .. that’s an interesting story .. as it is one teenager who was obviously very scared .. and who probably didn’t want to go deeper into the mire. So the fact that Julio felt he could reach out to one ‘kid’ must have made allthe difference to that child’s life. Usually we all go into defensive mode .. I’m not sure what I’d have done as I’m a woman, because usually it’s a gaggle of kids and that’s kind of threatening ..

I just hope all benefited from this experience .. it sounds as though there’s hope ..

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters

you are a legend

That’s really incredible. I was robbed by some troubled teenagers once in Berkeley and For weeks all I could feel was fear and resentment. I am very humbled at how much self confidence and control he has.

What an arse, it’s made up by a saddo.

This story is either omitting lots of important details, or it is a farce. I’m not buyin’ it.

Let me guess, the little teenager grew up to be Obama? Self aggrandizing American baloney

photoshopped

Whether this story is true or not it still shares an important point in that we can choose how we respond to whatever comes in front of us. An example The other day a lady at some traffic lights had broken down. While all the other drivers just swerved by and didn’t do anything. I pulled over and pushed her to the side so that she was out of harms way.

It’s the small actions that make a big difference.

You should have stabbed the kid in the eye while he was off-guard.

My favorite part of the story? “The boy couldn’t answer and his face got very sad face.”

When I read this story my face got very happy face…

Wow, what an inspiring story. I don’t know what I would have done in that situation. I would consider yourself lucky though, the outcome of a robbery doesn’t always come out this positive, as you already know =).

If only there weremore people this world like Julio it would definately have less people out there like that young boy.

If there were more people like Julio, there’d probably very quickly be less people like Julio, if you catch my drift.

Thought provoking. Reminds me of a story of Saint Edward the Confessor, who acted a similar way in the 11th century when he was robbed. Wish I could quote chapter and verse for that story. But alas, this good action might not always pan out so well.

sure possibly it is a contrived story, but who hasn’t met someone like Julio? These people are living gems that brighten up everyone’s day, thank god for people like Julio!

Actually, I did know someone like Julio. He was shot in the head at point blank range, in front of his girlfriend, just after he handed over his wallet to a thug just like the one in this story. Happened at Mardi Gras about 15 years ago.

This story, in my humble opinion, lays out a plan for absolute disaster. Just give them the wallet and walk away. Anything else can and will cause the mugger become suspicious and can lead to tragedy. Call me a cynic, fine by me. At least I tried to warn you.

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal.

Ryokan returned and caught him. “You may have come a long way to visit me,” he told the prowler, “and you shoud not return emptyhanded. Please take my clothes as a gift.”

The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away.

Ryokan sat naked, watching the moon. “Poor fellow, ” he mused, “I wish I could give him this beautiful moon.”

I am sorry but I was attacted at knife point ant was going to be raped and possibly be murdered I would not have offered to have sex with this guy.

Reminds me of the philosophy of Aikido. To always meet force with harmony. For instance, a punch is thrown. A push is made. The philosophy here is to meet that punch or push with a catch or a pull. This restores harmony in this situation. To meet a punch with a punch causes a clash. He met being robbed with kindness, thus restoring harmony.

I have a concealed carry pemit, The kid would have had a sad face for bringing a knife to a gunfight.

Call me crazy, but I swear I’ve seen a movie with this exact same premise, if only I could remember the name…

How powerful. It’s been said that kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Julio’s story is an inspiration to all of us.

This was a great story, but not typical. Most people robbed at knife point who offer more, usually get rewarded with the business end of a shiv. Idealism is great late at night when you’re truly alone, but if this were a true story, our fine author wouldn’t be alive to write about it. Not many convicts can be “saved” by being nice. No matter how nice you are to a lion, eventually he will eat you because it is in his nature.

I liked this parable, but there’s no way this is a true story. It’s a liberal’s yarn about how things should be. The unfortunate reality is that most criminals have had it so bad for so long that kindness is not only seen as a weakness, but even as condescending. Our here would’ve been rewarded with a trip to the emergency room if he were lucky. The only thing that would’ve saved him would be the 2nd amendment (for now).

There are people who have never been treated well in their lives, And that is why they treat others badly. Showing understanding and compassion can work, if only temporarily. It does show that even under duress, we can muster a higher principal. It isn’t always easy! Treating the dishwasher with respect is what anyone should do. We never know when our fortunes may change, and we become the dishwasher. How would you like to be treated?Your job is only a job. It is not your core.

yes one person can change the world. Copy the example both you and I and live a better life . See blog about book On Green Lawns

On Green Lawns Blog at Diana Montane

“Julio then proceeded to beat the unholy shit out of the teen when he dropped his guard”

Very impressive!

The best part: “his face got very sad face.” Great story. Thanks for the inspiration.

I think that julio did a very brave thing, and yes sometimes situations like this do turn out wrong, But that unfortunately is life.

This very well could have changed that boys life. its hard to say without the background information about the boy, but who knows.. maybe he thought that was the only way to go about things.. maybe he is a nice kid, but hasnt had the right mentor to show him how rewarding it is to be good.

As some people have said made up or not, it certianly helps to be nice to people, even grumpy people.. cause you never know what they are going through.. you being nice using your manners or even a friendly smile might change their life.

He must have money falling out of his arse. Most people I know need every penny that they have. Yes it was a decent thing to do, but he was only able to do it because he had money to spare.
How would this story have turned out if he had needed all the money in his wallet to feed his family? Might he have resisted and gotten himself stabbed and killed? Would we feel all warm and fuzzy over that story?

He should have chased the thief down and broken his arms. What right has anyone to take property belonging to someone else? You want something? Earn money and buy it.

Should have stabbed the kid in the belly when he gave you the knife-made his free dinner spill out everywhere

you know, I’ve never been mugged/robbed (knock on wood!), but I’ve thought about it, and this is the approach I thought I’d take. Glad to know it can actually work. lol

I would of let him treat me to dinner then stabbed him and taken the rest of the money and the coat.

This is a great human life story. It shows that everyone has a need to feel important and wanted. Julio exemplifies this principle.

This truly is one of those moments that make a person remember not all people who perform bad acts are purely of evil nature. It’s hard to remember that when the worst is happening, and you’re in shock. The fact he stayed calm enough to remember and take the chance he did is so admirable.

Wow… What an awesome story…
I usually don’t like to leave comments… but I’m here filling a blank box… lol
My respects for julio. The world needs people like Julio.

When you change one person, you do change the whole world.

I don’t remember ever being notified of so many comments on a story. What is alarming is the number of respondents advocating an extremely violent reaction to the junior robber. We can’t all aspire to Julio’s ideas, but have the enlightened religious ones of this world been preaching in vain for thousands of years?

That’s great, but I believe you should give credit to NPR, for writing that story.

I would of stab him in the thigh after dinner.

“stabbed”

Oh Freda (from way up above the thread), ask your family and loved ones if they’d prefer you raped or dead. Everything in that awful, vile, repugnant violent deed stays with the victim probably for the rest of her life (I’m only a man (important in this context) so I can’t speak with full knowledge).
I think it would affect your loved ones too in many ways.
But I’m sure they at least would prefer that you were alive.

Now, as far as Julio’s story is concerned, true or apocryphal, there is one part of the story that is worth remembering and one I try to hold by. Everyone is essentially good. Even bad people. Everyone has a story to tell and they will gladly share it with anybody with the patience and sympathy to listen - even a victim.

Sometimes, it’s the relief of sharing that story that can change a person’s view of life - for both the teller and the listener.

But then again, you had to be there to say with any confidence what you would do. Those that said silly things like “I’d have stabbed him in the knee” are showing a lack of character, intellect and morals.

[...] Kindness for your robber?! [...]

great story of human compassion, I’m not sure I would have done the same but it kind of shows you that these people are mixed up and maybe need the help.

Julio is the kind of person we should all try to become. His compassion towards a fellow human being is the example that everyone should follow. Cheers to you Julio. The world is blessed to have you walking on its soil.

Amazing real story. I hope the teenage never robbed anyone again and if any bad people ever read this story they too will become good. One in all and All in one. God bless all

This is a great story, but some of the worst writing i’ve ever seen. you really need to work on your grammar.

I am a small woman who was knocked down to take my purse. At first I did not care because I only had one dollar in it; then realized my car keys were in the purse. I chased him into an alley where he hid in some weeds near a rail road track. I waited and waited and finally went in, crouched down beside him and asked for my car keys. He placed them on top of the purse and walked away. I soon realized I was bleeding and slightly injured and perhaps in slight shock because I could not remember being knocked down. I called the police and they found him and the dollar. He pleaded no contest and did community service. His crime was purse snatching. If I had reported that he knocked me down, the crime would have been strong-armed robbery. I wish I was more like Julio and was able to help him. When I remembered being knocked down I did not change my report. I should have done more for him. He was also a very young man, perhaps still a teenager.

Wow! Great story. Thanks for sharing. Feel free to post this story with links on our site… http://www.ImaNicePerson.com We share nice stories like this and you deserve traffic to your site for finding this story and publishing such a great article!

“His kind actions most likely changed this young robbers life forever.”

Yes. From now on, “this young robber” will most likely demand dinner and some article of clothing from all of his victims after he takes their wallet.

Returning for a comment.
I also agree with Danni,
Things could have turned out incredibly horrible. Which often is the result of such situations. But the result of the story(true or false; doesn’t matter) was a positive one. I believe that all should still be wary of situations and hope for the best but not depend on only a positive outcome. It is healthy to balance skepticism with a positive out look.

And to those who have experienced a more negative outcome of a similar situation or worse. Do not feel guilty for not being able to “help” or “change the life of” the person who did it to you. You survived and went through something traumatic it is okay to feel resentment and anger towards the person who hurt you. In time the severity of such feelings will pass and forgiveness may be possible. I hope that day comes for you.

Oh, and to the clueless people saying they want to commit violence towards this story… Please go get some help with your anger issues. Ridiculing the robber are you? Shows you have learned nothing from the story and that you are at an even lower level than the robber originally portrayed in this story.

That’s so beautiful. I think we are always thinking of “me me me me me” too much, and don’t see the needs of others around us. Once we do, the world is not that harsh of a place.

the kid is a piece of trash and should have been shot. Scum has no rights as far as I am concered.

Giovanna,
Thank you for sharing this story. It helps to read something positive like this once in a while, because they sure don’t show enough of it on the news. Mostly though I wanted to thank you for the way you responded to each and every one of these comments in a polite and positive way. I kept reading, waiting for it to turn into a nasty war of words like it always does, and I love that it never did.

Great post.

I definitely would have shot the little punk with my concealed carry .45 ACP. But maybe in the leg or something so he could at least live. ‘Cause I have compassion, not just Julio.

Thank you for this story. I too work as a social worker and have seen my share of down and out people. Giving respect to each and every person I deal with makes my work easier and possibly gives these people some dignity. You are an angel in this world.

you people are fools if you think this story is true…..yeah, the kid robs the guy at knife point and sticks around to make friends with him. i have a bridge to sell, want to buy? people need to wake up a little and not believe everything you read.

I loved this story so much! it is so rare to hear about someone doing so unselfish. i have been blessed to be the product of a man like this one. my father would have done the exact same thing in this situation, and he has done very similar things in his many years. because of him i became a social worker. that is why it is so awesome to hear about someone doing something so unselfish and fearless, quite honestly. he risked being hurt but knew that the risk was worth it.

I wish I heard more stories like this. People usually do evil and wicked things out of desperation and not because they really want to do those things. It takes a sense of honor that is beyond most people to be sympathetic to someone like that.

Thanks for the inspiration.

I just shit myself

This man’s courage is the stuff of legend. If every one had his kindness in he face of fear, this entire planet would be different. I admire him, and believe that his action will have far reaching affects, just like the story of a butterfly flapping its wings.
Thank You Julio for setting the example, and setting the bar a little higher.

Wow, that is definitely an approach that is off the beaten path! Very nice post.

Gr8, this is a gr8 story.

Julio obviously is a nice an articulate guy. What do you think would he have said to the boy, if he had no coat and the weather was not menacing, to strike up the conversation that eventually got them to dine together? The setting was right and the man was good - the boy was also good even though he was doing bad to people. Circumstances of life, maybe.

I don’t know if this story is made up or real but the whole point is that it shares a good moral. Lets stick to that. Nice post.

You the man Julio…… I’m pretty sure your actions impacted that teen somehow…. great work dude… great work!!

Hey Julio Diaz is such a wonderful man of kindness..

good story bad writing. his face got a very sad face?

I agree that this was a lovely story.

As a point of what I hope can be constructive criticism, you really need to clean up the mechanics of your writing. Glaring grammatical errors detract from you credibility immensely, which is a shame, as it might keep someone from taking such a worthy story to heart.

Nice story.

I grew up in Chicago and the first time I got mugged was in 1971. I gave the kid my wallet. When he turned around and started to walk away, I picked up a brick and nailed him in the back of the head. Then I picked up my wallet and ran away before he got up.

The kid in the story above learned a lesson (if the story is true). The kid that mugged me learned a lesson too - and I promise my story is real.

BTW - Syd, it should be, “detract from your”.
Sorry bro, I couldn’t help myself.

what a load of BS. a 30k (at best) per year social worker BUYS dinner EVERY night? then just happens to have an “extra” 20 to give a little prick? such a sweet story and all, but unfortunately it’s all lies.