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Morning Reflection
August 4, 2025
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
Reflection: Jo Ann B. Jones
I started collecting brief quotations similar to the one above in small 51/2” x 4” ringed notebooks that I kept by my (then) desktop at home. I believe that they were sent to me by email. Recently, I thought they might serve as a source for writing a reflection. And so it has proved true, as I found the above quotation in one of the notebooks.
Recently, I received an unexpected, yet beautifully moving expression of gratitude. Ananda Leahy asked me to provide a reference for her with respect to a job for which she had applied. And then, to my great surprise, before I even provided the reference, she gave me a gift and card expressing her thanks. (She was hired by this company and I have yet to provide the reference!) I was completely taken aback by her gift. And when I asked her about it, especially since I had not done anything, she sweetly said, “You have always given me support.”
Gratitude cannot be requested, demanded, or coerced, it can only be given. It is a gift. In this instance, Ananda’s gratitude is virtuous because she chose to celebrate, rather than to resent, what is. The saying "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others," attributed to Marcus Tullius Cicero, suggests that gratitude is fundamental to the development of other important qualities. It implies that by cultivating an attitude of gratitude, one naturally fosters other virtues like kindness, humility, and compassion. This idea highlights gratitude's role in shaping character and promoting one’s overall well-being.
Cicero's quote emphasizes the foundational nature of gratitude. It suggests that gratitude is not merely one virtue among many, but rather the source from which other virtues spring. When we acknowledge and appreciate the good things in our lives, it naturally leads to a more positive outlook and a greater capacity for empathy and generosity.
Humility: Recognizing that we haven't achieved everything on our own fosters humility. When Ananda expressed her gratitude to me, she acknowledged my contributions and the role of external factors in our success. This certainly was Ananda’s experience for which she was grateful.
Kindness and Compassion: Gratitude allows us to see the good in others and appreciate their actions. This can lead to increased kindness and compassion, as we are more likely to extend these positive feelings to those around us.
Forgiveness: Gratitude can encourage us to be more forgiving. By attending to the positive aspects of a situation or relationship, it can be easier to release negative feelings and offer forgiveness.
Resilience: A grateful perspective can help us cope with adversity. By focusing on the good things, even during challenging times, we can build resilience and maintain a positive outlook.
Happiness: Practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness and overall well-being.
Cicero's statement highlights the transformative power of gratitude. By cultivating gratitude, we both enhance our own lives and create a ripple effect that benefits and edifies others.
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