“In today’s sophisticated and selfish society we are much more likely to criticize than praise, quicker to complain than to thank, and more ready to vent disappointment before expressing gratitude (Celia Bowering, xii).”

“Would you know him who is the greatest saint in the world?  It is not he who prays most or fasts most; it is not he who gives most alms, but it is he who is always thankful to God, who receives everything as an instance of God’s goodness and has a heart always ready to praise God for it (William Law, xii).”