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The Value of Appreciation
Gratitude is an admission of weakness, of need. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why children have such a hard time saying, “thank you.” “Thank you” is proof of the existence of what a woke person would call a power imbalance.
But “thank you” is also so important because it is part of what makes a good society. In a primitive or nature-worshipping society, might makes right. Nobody powerful needs to be nice because they can simply take what they want.
“Might Makes Right” is also the nature of totalitarian regimes, all freedom-oppressing governments, from dictators to socialists (but I repeat myself). “Please” and “Thank you” are admissions of weakness, which is dangerous for anyone in such a society to utter. The powerful cannot admit weakness, and the weak cannot afford to put themselves at someone else’s mercy. Our instincts are to protect ourselves above all. So in such a society “Thank you” is expressed only by those with no power and no alternatives: beggars.
There is, of course, another way to look at it. No man is an island. Societies are stronger when there are ties between people, within families, communities, and the nation. The farther we move from a state of nature, the more power comes from understanding that most things worth doing require cooperation and teamwork, a common vision. But recognizing and appreciating other people does not come easy – that is why we have to force children to do it.
So, for the United States to celebrate Thanksgiving is the ultimate expression of freedom, of the dogma (against all empirical evidence) that we can each be secure enough in ourselves to admit that we need others, that we are not, any of us, truly self-reliant. Saying “Thank you” to other people, to our Creator, is the mark of good breeding in a child, a positive culture in a community, and the prerequisite for a good society and civilization.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Published in General
I’m not sure I agree with you on this. I certainly agree with some of your points, but I don’t see saying or giving thanks as any sort of weakness. I’m from an old Southron family. Giving thanks is what the powerful do and how they stay powerful, by acknowledging their blessings and being gracious.
I love what you both said, Arahant and iWe. I don’t think they are opposed at all.
Happy Thanksgiving to you both. :-)
I am thankful for Ricochet and the wonderful inspiration, and frankly hope, I find here every day.
Back to my pies . . .
In a civilized society, yes. You think Stalin or Saddam Hussein said, “thank you”?
I’ve thanked people who have done me a good turn. Sometimes they were completely unaware that they were doing so. Calling it to their attention may result in them doing it again for someone else.
Or monetize it. Yeah, that could probably happen.
I think when we say thank you, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to the other. Sometimes that is a sweet way of saying, what you said/did was important to me. I value you. I realize that I live in an interdependent world and I am ever so grateful to have people around whom I can thank. The last thing Stalin and Lenin would do is show vulnerability. In their eyes, that would show weakness. In our society, it is a strength.
I would expect tyrants to thank and reward the henchmen who help them hold their place. Everyone else, not so much.
I’m not sure I agree with that. I can go both ways. But with the rest of your post, I agree. Happy Thanksgiving!
I don’t know, but I would assume they did at times. It does depend on the culture. I have the impression that Arab cultures tend to be more florid in praise and giving thanks than Russian culture. It doesn’t mean it is sincere, of course. Again, though, I don’t think there is only one way to see saying “Thank you,” meaning as showing weakness or vulnerability.
It is like with @hankrhody‘s recent thread about Jamestown. The indigenous people of America saw giving gifts as a way to show wealth, assert power and authority, and put the other person into your debt. The English saw it as a sign of weakness and appeasement.
In my culture, the powerful can afford to be gracious. It isn’t weakness, giving thanks is a display of wealth and power. Of course, there is also the aspect of acknowledging a Higher Power. But that, too, is a sign of strength. Look at the regimes that do not acknowledge a higher power. What are they forced to do to keep power? French Revolution? Soviet Union? CCP? They are weak and maintain power not through moral authority, but through a willingness to kill, torture, and enslave.
So, coming back around, it’s not that you’re wrong, it’s that it is only one view, and when the two views compete, the misunderstandings can lead to a high death toll.
Stalin lived in fear. He did not heave peace.
It is interesting that the people with peace are the ones who are able to say thanks. Power to take what you want is ultimately holding onto water with your bare hands.
Thank you, iWe, for this thoughtful post.
What’s your culture, if you don’t mind me asking? But I will be thankful if you tell me. ;)
Saddam Hussein always slept with knives in his bed in case someone tried to attack him.
There you go. I did not know that specific.
I’m a Southron.
Hah!
I don’t think you sleep with knives to defend yourself. You sleep with a gun to protect yourself. You sleep with knives because you love them. That’s different than seeing them as a tool.
Ok, thanks. ;)
Since the 1600’s and before the Revolution. And had many direct ancestors in the Late Unpleasantness.
His staff said he did it in case someone tried to attack him in his sleep.
The first association in my mind was Tolkien. I can picture you riding an Oliphant. (:
And a gun is still the most effective answer to that. No one with access to pistols sleeps with knives for self-protection.
Some of us don’t like loud noises.
I’m not saying I myself don’t keep a katana under the covers.
I guess the issue is what’s most likely to let you live through the encounter. It’s not a knife.
God.
I’m in the “Put your trust in God but mind to keep your powder dry” school of thought.
I had to look up a Southron. Thats why I like you guys!
I am grateful for the 50 cops, K9 units, and helicopter that found the perp on my property two days ago. If he found me before they found him I would be in trouble right now. Well, so much for my alias.
https://www.masslive.com/police-fire/2021/11/man-with-warrants-for-kidnapping-home-invasion-and-drug-and-firearms-offenses-identified-and-arrested-by-east-brookfield-police.html
There really is a Podunk?
Here. Read my beer.
I can’t enlarge it so..
The original village of Podunk lies south of the marshes in East Brookfield. During his youth, vaudville entertainer George Cohan spent his summers with his relatives in Podunk. He loved East Brookfield, and made the term “Podunk” famous, describing it in his comedy acts. Over time, the word entered the language, standing for any archetypal small town. bla bla…
Well you learn something new every day. Cheers to Podunk.