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.
What I suddenly understood was that a thank-you note isn't the price you pay for receiving a gift, as so many children think it is, a kind of minimum tribute or toll, but an opportunity to count your blessings. And gratitude isn't what you give in exchange for something; it's what you feel when you are blessed--blessed to have family and friends who care about you, and who want to see you happy. Hence the joy from thanking.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
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.
For every moment of joy Every hour of fear For every winding road that brought me here For every breath, for every day of living This is my Thanksgiving
One single gift acknowledged in gratefulness has the power to dissolve the ties of our alienation.
'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.
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