"Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted"

Aldous Huxley draws attention to a profound aspect of human psychology: our tendency to overlook or undervalue the countless elements in our lives until something disrupts them. Human beings are creatures of habit, surrounded continuously by comforts, relationships, social systems, and technologies that become so familiar they fade into the background of everyday existence. Water flows from the tap, lights flicker on at the flip of a switch, loved ones are present, such constants are taken as fixed certainties rather than blessings. With repetition and routine, humans develop a sense of entitlement to these phenomena, ceasing to actively appreciate or recognize their significance.

Only in moments of loss or disruption does the inherent value of these assumed certainties come into startling relief. When the power fails, when health falters, when a friend departs, or when freedom is threatened, attention turns acutely to what was once merely an unremarked part of daily life. This psychological phenomenon is deeply tied to adaptation: the mind quickly normalizes ongoing circumstances, preserving attentional resources and emotional energy for change or danger. While this mechanism offers efficiency for survival, it can breed complacency.

Aldous Huxley’s observation can serve as a call to greater mindfulness and gratitude. Recognizing and valuing the ordinary, a safe home, the dependable rhythm of the seasons, a society given to peace or stability, demands an act of deliberate awareness. By consciously acknowledging what is often ignored, people can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection to the world around them. Further, becoming aware of this trait may inspire more empathy for others whose basic certainties are less assured. Through reflection and conscious gratitude, the ‘almost infinite capacity’ for taking things for granted can be replaced, at least in part, by a cultivated appreciation for the everyday wonders that silently underpin our lives.