As most of the world knows, we Americans have a holiday known as “Thanksgiving Day.” It is a paying of respect to the tradition of giving thanks for what one has. It was started by the early European settlers of North America, who had endured many hardships and finally achieved a level of consistent civility, as well as peace with the native American Indians (though unfortunately, this did not last). It became a tradition to gather friends and relatives and have a large feast together. The invitation would even extend to people not well known, who may not have anywhere to go, as a gesture of generosity.
Regardless of how the tradition started, it is a human-wide convention. I hope everyone around the world can take a moment to give thanks for what they have. Even those who have hardships, there is always something to be thankful for, as well as the hope that the days to come will be better.
On a philosophical note, I hope that those in positions/stations of power and wealth will go beyond simply being thankful, but give generously to those who have much less. ”Giving” can be anything from a material thing to simply consideration and respect. Unfortunately, we have witnessed many such people taking advantage of their positions/stations and exploiting opportunities to the point of harming others. They have helped contribute to a depressed global economy that is creating a quickening gap between the wealthy and “everyone else”. It is well noted that the wealthy prosper most when other people of lesser means are also prospering. They can be thankful that they are not hurting as badly as others, but should be conscious of the fact that they have an abundance well beyond their needs and be willing to sacrifice some of it to help aid in the economic recovery. ”We are all in this together.”
Thank you.
