The Hidden Cost of Gratitude

Gratitude uplifts all who gaze from its enlightened view. Without the humble stance of gratitude, we could easily become entitled and smug about good fortune blown our way. Gratitude is more a product of nurture than nature, cultivated by societal and emotional learning. People are taught to say “thank you” as a basic element of social decency. Beyond mere selfish gratification, gratitude acknowledges a gift given, a blessing bestowed, a bonus received as a beneficiary of good circumstance. Thankfulness moves the emotional needle from “I deserve” to “I appreciate.”