Nothing is miserable but what is thought so, and contrariwise, every estate is happy if he that bears it be content.
– Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy
One of the world’s great philosophers, Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, expresses that it is all a matter of perspective – whether it be sorrow, bliss, or in the context of this article, appreciation. With respect to our everyday lives, we have no shortage of sources for gratitude. From the rudiments of our existence to the occasional bounties that we are fortunate enough to encounter, the state of contentment can only be accomplished by being conscious of that which we are granted. In other words, you can’t reap what you don’t sow – you cannot find appreciation unless your perspective allows it.
When it comes to the concept of appreciation being a choice, it is often beneficial to think of the things we should be thankful for. This could include basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, in addition to the people around us such as friends and family. Or, if you’re a fan of the Calgary Flames in the same manner as I am, the list includes Johnny Gaudreau, Jacob Markstrom, Darryl Sutter, and so on. Regardless of what each individual has to be thankful for, it is important for one to recognize and acknowledge that these factors are worth appreciating. And, this whole theory is just based on the words of one philosopher. In order to diversify our personal views on the concept of appreciation, let’s take a look at a few more quotes worth taking note of, courtesy of some of the world’s great thinkers.
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.
– Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
– Cicero
Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build up their philosophy of life.
– A.J. Cronin
If you give appreciation to people, you win their goodwill. But more important than that, practicing this philosophy has made a different person of me.
– William James
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
– Melody Beattie
All in all, your outlook on appreciation – or anything, for that matter – need not consist only of the thoughts of others. In order to truly find yourself, and your perspective on any given subject, you must create your own philosophy. Feel free to take all of the words within this article, and use the concepts that resonate with you to shape your own personal ideology.
