"Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors"
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
About this Quote
This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld recommends that thankfulness is not constantly authentic, however rather a way of expressing appreciation in the hopes of receiving something in return. He indicates that people typically reveal thankfulness in order to receive favors from the person they are thanking. This might be interpreted as a negative view of thankfulness, as it indicates that people are not always revealing their appreciation out of real generosity, but rather out of a desire to receive something in return. However, it could likewise be analyzed as a suggestion to be mindful of our motivations when revealing gratitude. It could be a pointer to be genuine in our appreciation and to not anticipate something in return. Eventually, this quote encourages us to be mindful of our motivations when revealing thankfulness and to be real in our gratitude.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us"
"Courage is sometimes frail as hope is frail: a fragile shoot between two stones that grows brave toward the sun though warmth and brightness fail, striving and faith the only strength it knows"
