Well, now - with floods affecting so many people across whole swathes of the country - is one of those occasions.
And we hear heart-warming stories:
- Yorkshire farmers - who have donated animal feed and bedding to farmers in the south
- The army - inevitably doing a fantastic job
- Prince William and Prince Harry - lending a hand to pile up sandbags in Datchett
- Many neighbours and communities coming together to help others through the situation.
Let us hope that institutions that hold many of the keys will be similarly helpful. These would include:
- Water companies
- Electricity and gas suppliers
- Insurance companies
For once, show some compassion to people who need help, and don't just think of how you can turn other people's misfortune into profit.
Who knows, perhaps a kind deed or two might stand you in good stead.
