Gratefulness, Resentfulness, and Some Modern Slogans
GMU Working Paper in Economics No. 21-15
Economic Affairs, forthcoming
13 Pages Posted: 30 Jun 2021 Last revised: 10 Jan 2022
Date Written: June 28, 2021
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, and 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.
Keywords: Gratitude, gratefulness, resentment, resentfulness, punishment, vengeance, virtue, God
JEL Classification: A12, A13, B12, Z12
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation