Gratefulness, resentfulness, and some modern slogans

Daniel B Klein

Economic Affairs, 2022, vol. 42, issue 1, 135-143

Abstract: Scholars distinguish between gratitude and gratefulness. Both sentiments involve an appreciation of the benefits that one enjoys. Gratitude, however, also involves a positive feeling directed to the benefactor. Gratefulness does not necessarily involve any benefactor, much less a feeling towards one (‘I am grateful for the warm sunshine’). I suggest a parallel distinction between resentment and resentfulness. I suggest that in the primeval band resentfulness would be provoked by inequality and by non‐inclusiveness, and give rise to proper resentment. But we are not in the band any more. Now, resentfulness is bad, only it should be deemed an atavism. Gratefulness is, rather, a virtue, and should be encouraged. This article suggests that the propagandistic power of the modern slogans of ‘inclusiveness’ and ‘equity’ is atavistic.

Date: 2022
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