Is gratitude a dead virtue?

Question

People rarely recall favors done to them.

Answer 1

True. You would think they would at least be a tiny bit appreciative, if not grateful. Sometimes people who help are not even looking for some kind of gratitude. So it seems odd that those who should be grateful, are often jealous, hateful and resentful towards the person who helped them. Perhaps they are embarrassed or feel beholden or uncomfortable because they showed their vulnerability.
People usually do forget favors and kindnesses, even major ones such as saving someone's life or the life of someone close to them, or paying for an entire college education, or buying a car for them and helping them become independent. If they are being nasty and you dare to remind them you once did them such a favor , they accuse you of manipulating people with your money or power. The accusation is a harassment so don't listen to it. They tell other people grudgingly "Of course I'm thankful," though they never once told you that directly. This happened to me, though I have to tell you that I am very grateful that my own blood relatives have never displayed such disgusting behavior. I'm just sorry I never got the chance to tell my own mother thank you properly before she died. I was too busy trying to prove I was an adult. Thanks for remind me. None of us are perfect, but it helps to remind us.

Answer 2

No, gratitude is not a dead virtue.

However, we should not (in my humble opinion) do favors just to be recognized (it is nice) but you (whomever does the favor/offers the help,etc) should do it because you are just who you are. Don't ever do something for something. YOU do the right thing. Take the HIGH ROAD.....and let the 'recipient' deal with his/her lack of gratitude. Some people, just can't handle nice people.....So hang in there and don't change :)

Answer 3

I doubt if it is dead, just not recognized or rarely utilized.. I remember many of the kind things people have done for me. And when I could, I let them know with more that just a "thank-you" Some times they have even been embarrassed to be caught doing something nice. Which still has puzzled me to this day.

Answer 4

Not generally. Most people are grateful for favors, and do remember the people who have done them. There are a couple who are just too much into themselves to think of anything or anyone else.

Answer 5

they may not recall the favor but in some way minor or major the favor probably impacted there life and even if they don't remeber it at a certain time it will hit them one day

Answer 6

I guess who could say its a dying virtue as fewer and fewer people recall the favors or appreciate when you help them.

Answer 7

It is a sign of the time. Unfortunately many also forget to have gratitude to God for their salvation. It is a gift of God lest any man should boast.

Answer 8

I don't think so, all teh ethics around is just killing a it, but some considerable people are still holding on to it.

Not dead afterall.

Answer 9

Try and find out. Do something for a friend. See if they thank you for the help. Now do something for a stranger see if they thank you, or acknowledge you. I say it isn't dead.

Answer 10

Yes, for some reason most people think they are somehow entitled to everything that comes their way.