Gratitude (Hebrew – הכרת הטוב – literally, “recognition of/knowing the good”) is not to be regarded as a quid pro quo – rather, as an attitude of the heart towards others who are kind and generous.

I offer a few choice quotations on this most important of virtues.

“I can no other answer make but thanks, / and thanks, / and thanks, / and ever thanks.” -William Shakespeare

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When a Jew breaks a leg, he should thank God that he did not break both; and when he breaks both legs, he should thank God that he didn’t break his neck.” -Yiddish proverb

“In the time to come all prayers of petition will be annulled, but the prayer of gratitude will not be annulled.” –Midrash Rabbah Vayikra 9:7

“A chasid once was asked: ‘What is stealing?’ He thought for a moment and then replied, ‘A person steals when s/he enjoys the benefits of the earth without giving thanks to God.‘” -Cited in Bechol Levavcha by Rabbi Harvey Fields

“How strange we are in the world, and how presumptuous our doings! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for witnessing the wonder, for the gift of our unearned right to serve, to adore, and to fulfill. It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.” -Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Happy Thanksgiving.