Thankfulness and Literature
Great Books in an Age of Ingratitude
When I reflect upon the things for which I am grateful, one of the many that stand out is literature – the written word, the literary tradition, the canonical and non-canonical works that have influenced the world in which I grew up, most especially those books which I have read that have enriched my life.
Is it virtue signaling to proclaim one’s gratitude – at Thanksgiving or at any other time? Perhaps occasionally – when expressing gratitude is merely a pro forma exercise performed for the purpose of earning one praise and attention, rather than out of genuine thankfulness.
But most people who are grateful don’t do that. They express gratitude because they mean it, not because they want anything.
We live in an ironic age, when it is uncool and unpopular to be genuine, to be earnest, to care about something. And to the modern ear, expressions of genuine gratitude can come off as unsophisticated, or simplistic.
To the truly grateful person, though, none of that matters. Surely, the grateful man (or woman) wishes other people wouldn’t scorn and mock what he (or she) loves. But that scorn and mocking won’t alter that love. It won’t mar that gratitude. If anything, the character of our modern age puts to the lie the idea that grateful people are virtue signaling their gratitude. Nobody virtue signals by doing something that people will mock them for doing.
How should one go about giving thanks in an ironic age?
Don’t be shy and bashful about expressing gratitude. Be unreserved, unequivocal, unashamed, unironic, and forthright. Don’t be afraid to defend what you love.
I love the written word, and the many books that have enriched my life. And I am grateful for literature – most especially the literature of the English language. At this time of thanksgiving, I am cheered that I am not alone in my love and gratitude – for despite our modern spirit of irony, there are many who share them. As there always will be.
Ingratitude Towards Literature: