Balancing Success with Gratitude: A Timeless Lesson

To what extent are we, as individuals, responsible for our own success? How much gratitude do we owe to our parents, family, and friends? And what about the external forces beyond our control?

As Moses prepares to leave the children of Israel on the other side of the Jordan, he expresses his concerns for their future. Above all, he is particularly worried about the dangers of affluence, believing it could lead to arrogance.

In his memorable words, Moses delivers this timeless message to his people: “When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses to live in… and your silver and gold have increased, beware lest your heart grow haughty and you forget your G-d…” He warns against the mindset of saying, “My own power has won this wealth for me.”

Moses anticipates what he believes is inevitable: as success and affluence grow among the people, hubris and arrogance are likely to follow. With each step toward prosperity, there is a tendency to forget those who came before us and made everything possible.

Simply put, arrogance is the gross exaggeration of our own value and the contribution we make to others. It stands in stark contrast to humility, which involves a more measured evaluation of self and naturally leads to appreciation and gratitude for others.

King Solomon tells us that it is the humble person who is truly happy. Only through humility can we fully appreciate the contributions others have made to our lives, and only through that appreciation can we find true happiness.

As a wise sage once said, “It is not how much we have that makes us happy, but how much we appreciate what we have.” This is especially true when it comes to the friends and family in our lives.

Practical Application: Spend ten minutes each day reflecting on the value that others have added to your life.

Yosef Vogel