The concept of random acts of kindness has ancient roots and is not attributed to a specific individual or culture. Acts of kindness and generosity have been valued and promoted in various religious and philosophical traditions throughout history.

More recently, the phrase 'random acts of kindness' gained popularity through a book titled 'Random Acts of Kindness' by Anne Herbert, published in 1993. The book inspired a movement that encouraged people to perform small, unexpected acts of kindness for others without any specific reason or expectation of reciprocation.

While the term itself may have gained prominence in the 1990s, the idea of performing acts of kindness without a predetermined motive has deep historical and cultural roots. The essence of kindness and altruism has been celebrated and advocated in different ways across diverse societies and belief systems.

In 1995, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was created, whose goal is to champion the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals and society. While the concept of random acts of kindness predates the foundation, the organisation has been instrumental in popularising and formalising the concept, offering ideas, lesson plans, and other materials to help people incorporate kindness into their day-to-day lives.