If we get everything that we want, we will soon want nothing that we get.
—Vernon Luchies (1927–2012) American Clergyman
Greed’s worst point is its ingratitude.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Be on the lookout for mercies. The more we look for them, the more of them we will see. Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles.
—Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858–1901) American Presbyterian Minister, Writer
Gratitude is a twofold love—love coming to visit us, and love running out to greet a welcome guest.
—Henry van Dyke Jr. (1852–1933) American Author, Educator, Clergyman
Epicurus says, “gratitude is a virtue that has commonly profit annexed to it.” And where is the virtue that has not? But still the virtue is to be valued for itself, and not for the profit that attends it.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.
—H. L. Mencken (1880–1956) American Journalist, Literary Critic
He has enough who is contented with little.
—Unknown
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
—Charles Dickens (1812–70) English Novelist
I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.
—Oprah Winfrey (b.1954) American TV Personality
Gratitude is a sickness suffered by dogs.
—Joseph Stalin (1878–1953) Soviet Leader
I have the greatest of all riches: that of not desiring them.
—Eleonora Duse (1859–1924) Italian Actress
For greed, all nature is too little.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
My crown is in my heart, not on my head, Nor decked with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen: My crown is called content: A crown it is, that seldom kings enjoy.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.
—Hebrew Proverb
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.
—Aesop (620–564 BCE) Greek Fabulist
The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.
—William James (1842–1910) American Philosopher, Psychologist, Physician
The happiness which is lacking makes one think even the happiness one has unbearable.
—Philibert Joseph Roux (1780–1854) French Surgeon
Greed, like the love of comfort, is a kind of fear.
—Cyril Connolly (1903–74) British Literary Critic, Writer
We are no longer happy so soon as we wish to be happier.
—Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) English Writer, Poet
Sufficiency’s enough for men of sense.
—Euripides (480–406 BCE) Ancient Greek Dramatist
The heart is great which shows moderation in the midst of prosperity.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that man is here for the sake of other men-above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received. My peace of mind is often troubled by the depressing sense that I have borrowed too heavily from the work of other men.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
When befriended, remember it; when you befriend, forget it.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
The grateful person, being still the most severe exacter of himself, not only confesses, but proclaims, his debts.
—Robert South (1634–1716) English Theologian, Preacher
The man who thinks his wife, his baby, his house, his horse, his dog, and himself severely unequalled, is almost sure to be a good-humored person.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–94) American Physician, Essayist
Seek not proud wealth; but such as thou mayest get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly, yet have not any abstract or friarly contempt of it.
—Francis Bacon (1561–1626) English Philosopher
From David learn to give thanks for everything.—Every furrow in the Book of Psalms is sown with the seeds of thanksgiving.
—Jeremy Taylor
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