“Appreciation is what makes people truly human.

The Japanese word for thankful (arigatai) originally indicated a rare or unusual condition, and later came to denote a sense of joyful appreciation at an uncommon occurrence.

Having a spirit of appreciation for someone from whose actions we benefit, a sense that “this is the rarest and noblest thing,” produces in our hearts a feeling of pride and self-esteem: “I am worthy of receiving such goodness.”

It provides us with spiritual support to go on living.”

~ Daisaku Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International, philosopher, poet, peace activist

With thanks to Jason D on Unsplash for his photo!