Sometimes a little appreciation seems to work wonders in our lives. Below are some interesting quotes and sayings on appreciation. Enjoy!
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~Voltaire
We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, “Why did this happen to me?” unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way. ~Anonymous
Sometimes God allows us to cry for tears to clear our eyes so we can clearly see the good things ahead. ~Anonymous
Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you. ~William Arthur
Dark days and storms heighten the appreciation of sunshine. ~American proverb
By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property. ~Voltaire
The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them. ~G.K. Chesterton
Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts. ~Alan Cohen
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John F. Kennedy
Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight.
William Safire
Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it. ~Ralph Marston
Next to excellence is the appreciation of it. ~William Makepeace Thackeray
We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig
Unexpected good fortune, gets more appreciation. ~Sicilian proverb
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. ~Ashley Smith
Encouraged people achieve the best; dominated people achieve second best; neglected people achieve the least. ~Anonymous
Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can – there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did. ~Sarah Caldwell
He who is carried on another’s back does not appreciate how far off the town is. ~African proverb
People who have bread to eat do not appreciate the severity of a famine. ~French proverb
The good that follows evil is more appreciated. ~Sicilian proverb
It is the fate of the great ones of this earth, to be appreciated only after they are gone. ~Traditional proverb
Sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we forget to pause and appreciate the beauty around us. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and stress, but taking a moment to appreciate the people and things in our lives can make a world of difference. As Voltaire once said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” In this article, we’ll explore the profound wisdom behind this quote and many others that emphasize the importance of appreciation in our lives.
The Balance of Sorrow and Joy
Life is a rollercoaster of emotions, with its fair share of ups and downs. When sorrow strikes, it’s natural to question why it happened to us. However, Anonymous reminds us that we should apply the same scrutiny to our moments of joy. “We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way.” This quote urges us to view both sorrow and joy as part of the intricate fabric of life.
The Clarity in Tears
At times, it may seem that life is overwhelming, and tears flow freely. In those moments, we may wonder why we must endure such pain. Anonymous offers an insightful perspective: “Sometimes God allows us to cry for tears to clear our eyes so we can clearly see the good things ahead.” These tears act as a cleansing rain, washing away our troubles and helping us appreciate the brighter days that lie ahead.
The Impact of Encouragement
In our interactions with others, we have the power to uplift or discourage. William Arthur’s quote beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you.” It reminds us that a simple word of encouragement can leave a lasting impact and foster appreciation between individuals.
Sunshine After the Storm
Life’s challenges, often characterized as dark days and storms, can sometimes feel relentless. Yet, the American proverb reminds us that these difficulties heighten our appreciation of sunshine. “Dark days and storms heighten the appreciation of sunshine.” Just as the contrast between darkness and light enhances our appreciation of the sun’s warmth, so do our trials and tribulations make us value the moments of happiness and tranquility even more.
Making Excellence Our Own
Voltaire’s words hold a profound truth: “By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property.” When we recognize and appreciate the talents and qualities in others, we not only uplift them but also enhance our own character. Appreciation creates a bond that enriches both the giver and the receiver.
The Aim of Life: Appreciation
G.K. Chesterton beautifully captures the essence of life’s purpose: “The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them.” In a world where material pursuits often take precedence, Chesterton’s wisdom reminds us that true fulfillment comes from appreciating the simple and meaningful aspects of life.
Appreciation as a Form of Prayer
Alan Cohen sheds light on the spiritual dimension of appreciation: “Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” This quote encourages us to cultivate a thankful mindset, recognizing the positive aspects of our lives and expressing gratitude.
Living with Gratitude
John F. Kennedy offers a valuable perspective on expressing gratitude: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” True appreciation goes beyond mere words; it manifests in our actions and interactions with others. It is a commitment to live a life guided by the principles of gratitude and appreciation.
The Gateway to Understanding
William Safire’s insight highlights the importance of understanding: “Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight.” When we take the time to understand the intricacies of the world around us, we gain a deeper appreciation for the marvels of everyday life.
The Habit of Gratitude
Ralph Marston offers practical advice on cultivating appreciation: “Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” This quote reminds us that by consistently expressing gratitude, we not only enhance our relationships but also enrich our own lives.
Recognizing Excellence
William Makepeace Thackeray emphasizes the significance of recognizing excellence: “Next to excellence is the appreciation of it.” When we acknowledge and appreciate excellence in any form, we contribute to a culture that values and encourages the pursuit of greatness.
Finding Happiness in Gratitude
Frederick Keonig’s words challenge our conventional notions of happiness: “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Instead of constantly seeking more, Keonig encourages us to find contentment in appreciating the abundance that already exists in our lives.
The Sweetness of Unexpected Good Fortune
Sicilian proverbs often carry profound wisdom, and one such proverb states, “Unexpected good fortune gets more appreciation.” When blessings come to us unexpectedly, their sweetness and significance become even more apparent. These moments remind us to treasure life’s pleasant surprises.
Embracing Life’s Beauty
Ashley Smith’s words serve as a gentle nudge to appreciate the beauty in the world around us: “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple wonders that surround us, but embracing them can bring immeasurable joy.
The Power of Encouragement
Anonymous reminds us of the profound impact encouragement can have: “Encouraged people achieve the best; dominated people achieve second best; neglected people achieve the least.” By offering support and encouragement to those around us, we empower them to reach their full potential and achieve greatness.
The Value of Lifelong Learning
Sarah Caldwell’s quote underscores the importance of continuous learning: “Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can – there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.” Each opportunity to acquire knowledge and insights is a chance for personal growth and a deeper appreciation of the world.
The Perspective of Effort
African proverb offers a valuable lesson in perspective: “He who is carried on another’s back does not appreciate how far off the town is.” When we rely solely on the efforts of others, we may not fully appreciate the journey or the destination. It’s a reminder to take an active role in our pursuits and appreciate the effort it takes to achieve our goals.
Recognizing Scarcity
The French proverb highlights the significance of recognizing scarcity: “People who have bread to eat do not appreciate the severity of a famine.” Those who have never experienced lack may not fully grasp the value of what they possess. This quote encourages us to acknowledge and appreciate the abundance in our lives.
The Silver Lining in Adversity
Sicilian proverb offers a unique perspective on adversity: “The good that follows evil is more appreciated.” While facing challenges is never easy, they often lead to growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation of the good that follows.
The Posthumous Appreciation
Traditional wisdom reminds us of the bittersweet fate of greatness: “It is the fate of the great ones of this earth to be appreciated only after they are gone.” While we may not always recognize the value of exceptional individuals in their lifetime, their contributions often become apparent and celebrated in their absence.
In conclusion, these quotes on appreciation serve as valuable reminders of the power and importance of gratitude and recognition in our lives. They encourage us to take a step back, appreciate the beauty in the world around us, and express our appreciation to others. By doing so, we can enhance our own well-being and foster a more harmonious and appreciative world. So, let’s make it a habit to appreciate the excellence in others, embrace life’s beauty, and express our gratitude sincerely, for as Voltaire wisely said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”