From my latest Newsmax Insider Column:
Taking Another Look at Thanksgiving Revelatory, Without Fail
‘Tis’ the season, and the holidays are upon us.
This time of year gets me to thinking about how different people interpret the meaning of Thanksgiving. Of course, conventional wisdom suggests that Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful.
While that has a nice ring to it, I see the holiday as something more: A time to think about what’s right, both with the world and with myself.
Though many are thankful to a higher power, my take is a little different.
I’m thankful to humankind, especially to those who have created the countless things I need for survival and enjoyment: automobiles, plumbing, medicine, electricity, extraordinary surgical procedures, computers, etc.
The list, as they say is indeed endless.
I see, feel and enjoy the fruits of these inventors’ efforts in my daily life, including the countless unsung heroes whose contributions to our wealth and comfort are often taken for granted.
When I say I’m thankful to humankind, I’m expressing reverence for reason; the one quality that animates human beings to thrive and produce.
Though reason represents the best of the human spirit and mind, it can only be exercised through choice. The computer in front of me, the lights illuminating my office, the health and safety I enjoy. That list is also endless.
I must still be the one to initiate the use of these marvels, but must also do so judiciously.
These things (comprised of machines, inventions, revolutionary and innovative developments) are extant due to choices made by singular individuals throughout history.
Several names rightfully come to mind immediately: Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Kettering, Jonas Salk, Linus Pauling, and Marie Curie — to obviously name just a few.
But remember, there are the lesser-known heroes who market and distribute products we enjoy in our largely capitalistic system.
Let’s all be grateful to them!
Did they labor toward their achievements with my comfort and happiness in mind?
Of course not …
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