+++
title = "Why are we grateful?"
author = ["Colin"]
date = 2017-09-19T00:00:00-04:00
tags = ["gratefulness"]
categories = ["thoughts"]
draft = false
+++

I just finished the book **The Righteous Mind** by Jonathan Haidt and was struck
by a line at the beginning of his acknowledgment section. Relaying what a
graduate student once taught him he explains that we do not express gratitude to
settle debts or sow the ground for favors. We give our gratitude out to make
stronger relationships.

I was struck by what a simple, yet profound thought that was. Gratefulness is
not a selfish tool we wield to get the upper hand. Humans, while highly
rational about a great many things, operate more like bees in a hive than most
would give us credit for. Hives need cohesion. Strong relationships breed
cohesion. The process is so clear.

Do you imagine that chimps can express their gratitude to one another?
