Practicing gratitude, as many philosophers and gurus have lectured over centuries of time, is a necessary component to achieving purpose and inner peace. Without humbling ourselves and becoming grateful, we would not be able to truly find our purpose for existence.
The French called it Raison D'etre. The Japanese spoke of it as Ikigai. In many cultures around the world, it is something that has profound value.
Unraveling the many layers of our sophisticated beings to reveal the gifts within us, our talents, our passions, our skills, and what makes us who we are, is the height of significance in life.
Gratitude brings us peace in times of chaos.
Having the utmost appreciation for the things that we have in life, our family, our friends, free markets, shelter, entertainment, love, friendship, God, science, whatever it may be, gives us immense strength even in times of darkness.
As Hunter S Thompson said, "let us toast to animal pleasures, to escapism, to rain on the roof, and instant coffee, to unemployment insurance and library cards, to absinthe and good-hearted landlords, to music and warm bodies and contraceptives... and to the good life, whatever it is and where ever it happens".
Pressing pause on the button of life to reflect upon all that we are grateful for is intensely rewarding.
Now, with that being said, it is critical to understand a very important part of gratitude. As Gaur Gopal Das pointed out in his international best-seller The Way of the Monk, gratitude should not blind us to abuses that we face in life.
If someone is abusing you or taking advantage of another person, it should be confronted and challenged. Likewise, having all the gratitude in the world does not give a person the right to tread on someone else's individual liberties.
If someone does not consent to be governed and is uncomfortable with authoritarianism, it does not matter how much "good" they have in life, they are indeed victims. Shaming them does not eradicate the truth. Mocking them does not take away the reality that they are ensnared against their will.
Having gratitude does not mean we should ever condone oppression and tyranny.
If you do not agree with being a cog in the machine of the state, then you have every right to resist and refuse. You are born free and you have free will always.
The government increasingly limits the freedoms of individuals, and while some are okay with that, others find it to be intrusive and immoral. Their objection to such should be taken seriously.
Never let anybody guilt you into being in an abusive relationship, even if it is with the government.
If you enjoyed this sentiment, check out Toxic Obedience Will Destroy The Foundation of Liberty.
