Hit in the Head: Meaning and Gratitude

Generally speaking, living in most places in the United States in the 21st century is a relatively low-stress endeavor. At this point, first world countries embody to a large extent that which is frequently expressed in Steven Pinker in his many books: relative peace, prosperity and less tension as opposed to previous epochs in human history.

This is an amazing fact. Indeed, I believe that it is a fact that is often overlooked due to the current politically-mediated polarized cultural climate. We take the astounding fact of our extraordinary luck of being born in the most peaceful and prosperous time in human history, in a society that is most predominantly affected by such providence, for granted on a daily basis. Instances of pettiness, short-sightedness, and dishonesty should be held up in light of such luck to make us think twice about wasting our energy on such useless behavior and thought.

We cannot forget, however, that within such a vigorous setting danger can loom at any time. Such danger makes the aforementioned ideas regarding pettiness, short-sightedness, and dishonesty all the less worth participating in behaviorally. Where the lack of gratitude that derives from living in a lucky place and time is simply obtuse, the lack of gratitude that derives from a confrontation with danger and malevolence derives from a foolhardy obliviousness which…