The debt immense of endless gratitude, So burthensome, still paying, still to owe; Forgetful what from him I still receivd, And understood not that a grateful mind By owing owes not, but still pays, at once Indebted and dischargd; what burden then?
Interpretation
Gratitude is a continual state of owing and acknowledging the kindnesses we receive from others.
This quote from John Milton explores the concept of gratitude as an ongoing debt that individuals feel towards those who have contributed positively to their lives. It suggests that a truly grateful mindset recognizes the perpetual nature of this debt, leading to a state where one simultaneously feels indebted and liberated from the burden, highlighting the complexity of gratitude as a motivating force in human relationships.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of kindness, one might quote Milton to emphasize the obligation we have to acknowledge others' contributions.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Don't let the sun go down without saying thank you to someone, and without admitting to yourself that absolutely no one gets this far alone.
I'm grateful for everything. I'm grateful for my health, and I'm so grateful for the love in my life.
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you?'
The gift was not large as money goes, and my need was not great, but the spirit of the gift is beyond price and leaves me blessed and in debt.
Let us thank God for life and the blessings He's put before us. High among them are our families, our freedom, and the opportunities of a new year.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
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