conceptual geometry, The Mechanics of Virtue, Matt Berry, aphorism 83

83
Gratitude ought to extend beyond sufficiency. The less one needs, the weaker the grip that resentment ought to have on us.  One needs very little, has quite a bit, and consequently, there should be very little resentment and much gratitude. This is however conceptual geometry, not physiological consequence.
Resentment does not emerge from an awareness of insufficiency.  Thirst wants the water and does not first seek its revenge on the one who withholds it.  Only after quenching its thirst is an overwhelming resentment possible.  Resentment whines and pleads, not for that extravagantly rich dessert others are obviously enjoying, but for their rank and for which the enjoyment is only a badge.  It is not so much food but worthiness that is withheld. Resentment thus wants more than sufficiency could ever provide.  Usually, it only wants this little pleasure of revenging a slight, however costly the diversion or ugly the behavior.

Gratitude does not hold to the awareness that sufficiency costs us nothing and yet we have it!  It transcends the entire debate.  Nonetheless, to avoid the quagmire of resentment, I must often bait myself with rational arguments: Do I really want “more” than that which is sufficient to my highest goal? Does not my wanting “more” stunt the growth of my highest potential?



A Human Strategy ** The Mechanics of Virtue ** Post-Atheism



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