What you really value is what you miss, not what you have.
—Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986) Argentine Writer, Essayist, Poet
To be content with little is hard; to be content with much is impossible.
—Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian Novelist
When something does not insist on being noticed, when we aren’t grabbed by the collar or struck on the skull by a presence or an event, we take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
—Cynthia Ozick (b.1928) American Novelist, Short-story Writer, Essayist
The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don’t have.
—Woody Allen (b.1935) American Film Actor, Director
Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not.
—Charles Kingsley (1819–75) English Clergyman, Academic, Historian, Novelist
If thou covetest riches, ask not but for contentment, which is an immense treasure.
—Sa’Di (Musharrif Od-Din Muslih Od-Din) (c.1213–91) Persian Poet
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
—Karl Barth (1886–1968) Swiss Reformed Theologian, Author
If gratitude is due from children to their earthly parent, how much more is the gratitude of the great family of men due to our father in heaven.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Theologian
There is no greater difference between men than between grateful and ungrateful people.
—Reginald Horace Blyth (1898–1964) English Author
That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Men should thank God alike for evil and for good.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.
—William Faulkner (1897–1962) American Novelist
Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
—Oprah Winfrey (b.1954) American TV Personality
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922) French Novelist
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
—Thornton Wilder (1897–1975) American Novelist, Playwright
While you fear missing a meal, you aren’t fully aware of the meals you do eat.
—Dan Millman (b.1946) American Children’s Books Writer, Sportsperson
Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, – a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
—George Herbert (1593–1633) Welsh Anglican Poet, Orator, Clergyman
When I’m not thank’d at all, I’m thank’d enough. I’ve done my duty, and I’ve done no more.
—Henry Fielding (1707–54) English Novelist, Dramatist
Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.
—Unknown
All fortune belongs to him who has a contented mind.
—The Panchatantra Indian Collection of Fables and Folktales
I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.
—Hebrew Proverb
The greedy man is incontinent with a whole world set before him.
—Sa’Di (Musharrif Od-Din Muslih Od-Din) (c.1213–91) Persian Poet
Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep.
—Felix Frankfurter (1882–1965) American Judge
Gratitude—the meanest and most sniveling attribute in the world.
—Dorothy Parker (1893–1967) American Humorist, Journalist
It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given.
—Elisabeth Elliot (b.1926) American Christian Author, Speaker
The covetous man is always poor.
—Claudian (c.370–c.404 CE) Roman Poet
He is rich that is satisfied.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
The real tragedy of life is not being limited to one talent, but in failing to use that one talent.
—E. W. Howe (1853–1937) American Novelist, Editor
We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics.
—Burton Hillis (William E. Vaughan) (1915–77) American Columnist, Author
Nothing more detestable does the earth produce than an ungrateful man.
—Ausonius (c.309–392 CE) Latin Poet, Rhetorician
The debt of gratitude we owe our mother and father goes forward, not backward. What we owe our parents is the bill presented to us by our children.
—Nancy Friday (1937–2017) American Feminist Author
The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.
—Mae Maloo
The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) Scottish Novelist
I have the greatest of all riches: that of not desiring them.
—Eleonora Duse (1859–1924) Italian Actress
Welcome everything that comes to you, but do not long for anything else.
—Andre Gide (1869–1951) French Novelist
Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted—a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
—Harold Kushner (b.1935) American Jewish Religious Leader, Priest
A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received is a mighty prayer in the Spirit of God. It prevails with Him unspeakably.
—John Bunyan (1628–88) English Puritan Writer, Preacher
The average man is rich enough when he has a little more than he has got.
—William Ralph Inge (1860–1954) English Anglican Clergyman, Priest, Mystic
When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.
—Chinese Proverb
Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
—Oliver Goldsmith (1730–74) Irish Novelist, Playwright, Poet
There is no banquet but some dislike something in it.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.
—G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) English Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
—Oprah Winfrey (b.1954) American TV Personality
Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.
—Edward Gibbon (1737–94) English Historian, Politician
There must be more to life than having everything.
—Maurice Sendak (1928–2012) American Illustrator, Writer of Children’s Books
If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.
—Robert Quillen (1887–1948) American Journalist, Humorist
A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most perfect prayer.
—Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–81) German Writer, Philosopher
I get up and I bless the light thin clouds and the first twittering of birds, and the breathing air and smiling face of the hills.
—Giacomo Leopardi (1798–1837) Italian Poet, Essayist, Philosopher
When we succeed in truly thanking God, we feel good at heart. The reason is that we have been created to give glory to God, now and forevermore. And every time we do so, we feel that we are in harmony with His plans and purposes for our lives. Then we are truly in our element. That is why it is so blessed.
—Ole Hallesby (1879–1961) Norwegian Lutheran Theologian
This only grant me, that my means may lie too low for envy, for contempt too high.
—Abraham Cowley (1618–67) English Poet, Essayist
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
Who is content with nothing possesses all things.
—Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux (1636–1711) French Poet, Satirist, Literary Critic
Too much is unwholesome.
—Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–99) German Philosopher, Physicist
The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom; for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough.
—William Blake (1757–1827) English Poet, Painter, Printmaker
The beginning of men’s rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart.
—Francis Schaeffer (1912–84) American Presbyterian Religious Leader, Theologian, Philosopher
It is not only blessed to give thanks; it is also of vital importance to our prayer life in general. If we have noted the Lord’s answers to our prayers and thanked Him for what we have received of Him, then it becomes easier for us, and we get more courage, to pray for more.
—Ole Hallesby (1879–1961) Norwegian Lutheran Theologian
The 1950s to me is darkness, hidden history, perversion behind most doors waiting to creep out. The 1950s to most people is kitsch and Mickey Mouse watches and all this intolerable stuff…
—James Ellroy (b.1948) American Crime Fiction Writer, Essayist
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
—Cynthia Ozick (b.1928) American Novelist, Short-story Writer, Essayist
This race is never grateful: from the first, One fills their cup at supper with pure wine, Which back they give at cross-time on a sponge, In bitter vinegar.
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–61) English Poet
Just because you like my stuff doesn’t mean I owe you anything.
—Bob Dylan (b.1941) American Singer-songwriter
If we get everything that we want, we will soon want nothing that we get.
—Vernon Luchies (1927–2012) American Clergyman
Jesus is moved to happiness every time He sees that you appreciate what He has done for you. Grip His pierced hand and say to Him, “I thank Thee, Savior, because Thou hast died for me”. Thank Him likewise for all the other blessings He has showered upon you from day to day. It brings joy to Jesus.
—Ole Hallesby (1879–1961) Norwegian Lutheran Theologian
Were a man to order his life by the rules of true reason, a frugal substance joined to a contented mind is for him great riches.
—Lucretius (c.99–55 BCE) Roman Epicurean Poet, Philosopher
To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.
—Demosthenes (384–322 BCE) Greek Statesman, Orator
I thank you God for this most amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes.
—e. e. cummings (1894–1962) American Poet, Writer, Painter
Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.
—Gladys Bronwyn Stern British Novelist, Dramatist, Biographer, Author
Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
To be able to dispense with good things is tantamount to possessing them.
—Jean-Francois Regnard (1655-1709) French Dramatist
Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.
—Alfred A. Montapert (1906–97) American Engineer, Philosopher
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
Anyone is to be pitied who has just sense enough to perceive his deficiencies.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Yes, there is a Nirvanah; it is in leading your sheep to a green pasture, and in putting your child to sleep, and in writing the last line of your poem.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-born American Philosopher, Poet, Painter, Theologian, Sculptor
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate — that’s my philosophy.
—Thornton Wilder (1897–1975) American Novelist, Playwright
So long as we can lose any happiness, we possess some.
—Booth Tarkington (1869–1946) American Novelist, Dramatist
He who is greedy is always in want.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.
—Doug Larson (1926–2017) American Columnist
Maybe the only thing worse than having to give gratitude constantly is having to accept it.
—William Faulkner (1897–1962) American Novelist
The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them up.
—Dorothy Day (1897–1980) American Journalist, Christian Activist
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
Next to ingratitude, the most painful thing to bear is gratitude.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
If you desire many things, many things will seem but a few.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Be content with what thou hast received, and smooth thy frowning forehead.
—Hafez (1325–89) Persian Poet, Mystic
Those who make us happy are always thankful to us for being so; their gratitude is the reward of their benefits.
—Sophie Swetchine (1782–1857) Russian Mystic, Writer
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
—G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) English Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet
Philosophy can add to our happiness in no other manner but by diminishing our misery; it should not pretend to increase our present stock, but make us economists of what we are possessed of. Happy were we all born philosophers; all born with a talent of thus dissipating our own cares by spreading them upon all mankind.
—Oliver Goldsmith (1730–74) Irish Novelist, Playwright, Poet
The correct prayer is never one of supplication but one of gratitude.
—Neale Donald Walsch (b.1943) American Spiritual Writer
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
Eaten bread is soon forgotten.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
Scarcity creates value.
—Seth Godin (b.1960) American Entrepreneur
Moderation is the key to lasting enjoyment.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Theologian
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that thankfulness is indeed a virtue.
—William Bennett (b.1943) American Politician, Political Theorist, Government Official
Life is a progress from want to want, not from enjoyment to enjoyment.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth is unhappy, though he is master of the world.
—Epicurus (c.341–270 BCE) Greek Philosopher
The true way to gain much, is never to desire to gain too much. He is not rich that possesses much, but he that covets no more; and he is not poor that enjoys little, but he that wants too much.
—Francis Beaumont (1584–1616) English Dramatist
When befriended, remember it; when you befriend, forget it.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Gratitude is not only the memory but the homage of the heart rendered to God for his goodness.
—Nathaniel Parker Willis (1806–67) American Poet, Playwright, Essayist
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
—John F. Kennedy (1917–63) American Head of State, Journalist
It is not customary to love what one has.
—Anatole France (1844–1924) French Novelist
Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.
—Anne Frank (1929–45) Holocaust Victim
One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay “in kind” somewhere else in life.
—Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906–2001) American Aviator, Author