| Both philosophy and science show that a spirit of gratitude forms a core part of a happy life. It functions like the alchemical arts, turning base metals into gold. The grateful person might not have more than other people, but practically speaking, the grateful person is wealthier than most because they actually notice and enjoy everything they have. From the little to the great, everything becomes precious when seen through the eyes of thankfulness. |
| Ingratitude leads to psychological and emotional poverty. Can an heir really be called “wealthy” when their fortune is inaccessible in a trust? The heir has money but the money does them no good. The ungrateful person is a bit like an heir—they may have many good things, but those things are “inaccessible” because they don’t notice or enjoy them. They deprive themselves of their own inheritance. They’re too worried about what they don’t have to appreciate what they do have. In that sense, their wealth is of no benefit; it’s meaningless. The wealth of blessings possessed by a grateful person, on the other hand, has real value because they’re recognized and enjoyed. |
| Gratitude is like a pair of infrared night-vision goggles that cut through the darkness of discontent and familiarity, which tend to conceal what’s right in front of us. Recent research has scientifically demonstrated that thankfulness leads to a happier life—among other benefits. Harvard Health Publishing lists positive emotions, improved health, resilience in the face of adversity, and stronger relationships as benefits that flow from gratitude. |
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