Gratitude is the most powerful of human emotions. It is the emotion that turns what we have into enough.
Jonathan Sacks
Gratitude Is
Theme: Gratefulness
Gratitude is the most powerful of human emotions. It is the emotion that turns what we have into enough. It is the antidote to envy. It teaches us to focus on what we have, not on what we lack. It is the foundation of all relationships. It is the emotion that binds us to others and creates a sense of community.
Jonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks, was born on March 8, 1948, in Lambeth, London. He became a notable British Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, author, and politician. From 1991 to 2013, he served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, playing a pivotal role in guiding and representing Jewish communities across the region.
Beyond his leadership in the Jewish community, Sacks was deeply passionate about character education, morality, and the importance of family. He frequently emphasized the role of ethical teachings in forming well-rounded individuals and believed in the necessity of strong family bonds for a stable society. An accomplished author, his books often explored the intersections of faith, morality, and contemporary challenges, aiming to make religious insights relevant to a wide audience. These works not only resonated within religious circles but also found acclaim in academic and political spheres due to their timely and profound insights.
Sacks passed away on November 7, 2020, in London. His legacy, marked by interfaith dialogue, advocacy for character education, and a steadfast commitment to the Jewish community, continues to inspire many. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Taylor Sacks, whom he married in 1970.
The Case For God
Sacks, Jonathan. "Gratitude." The Case for God. New York: Hodder & Stoughton, 2009. 53. Print.
Jonathan Sacks
Theme: Gratefulness
About This Jonathan Sacks “Gratitude” Quotation [Commentary]
Jonathan Sacks, a British philosopher and theologian, explores the transformative power of gratitude in his writings. He asserts that “gratitude is the most powerful of human emotions” because it can change our perception of what we have, making it feel sufficient. This shift in mindset redirects our focus from what we lack to what we possess. In a culture driven by the pursuit of more, Sacks’ insight suggests that true contentment comes from appreciating what we already have.
Sacks also describes gratitude as an “antidote to envy.” Envy stems from focusing on what others have that we do not, fostering dissatisfaction. Gratitude, however, reorients our attention to our own blessings, neutralizing envy and promoting a sense of abundance. This shift enhances personal wellbeing and cultivates healthier emotional responses. By appreciating our own lives, we reduce the negative impacts of comparison and competition, fostering a more content outlook.
Additionally, Sacks highlights gratitude’s role in nurturing relationships and building community. He states that gratitude “is the foundation of all relationships,” as it binds us to others through mutual appreciation and respect. Expressing gratitude acknowledges the positive contributions of others, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages kindness and generosity. On a broader scale, collective gratitude fosters a sense of belonging and support within a community. Sacks’ discourse on gratitude advocates for both individual contentment and stronger, more interconnected communities.
Jonathan Sacks—Additional Quotes from “Gratitude”
Here are a few more passages from Rabbi Sacks’s essay “Gratitude” that specifically focus on gratitude:
These passages highlight Rabbi Sacks’s belief that gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our lives. When we are grateful, we are more likely to be happy and content, we are less likely to be envious of others, and we are more likely to build strong relationships.
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