Gratitude by Henry van Dyke (1898)
The work advocates for a form of gratitude that transcends calculated thanks. Instead of appraising blessings in a ranked or transactional manner, it champions an unconditional acceptance of all life’s gifts. The author rejects a mechanical, compartmentalized procedure of thanks in favor of a spontaneous, heartfelt response to the everyday abundance provided by a guiding love. Life’s daily provisions and experiences, whether favorable or challenging, are to be received with simple pleasure and unreserved appreciation. This form of gratitude is presented not as a measured tally but as a natural, continuous response to the benevolence that underpins existence—a gratitude rooted in trust, joy, and the acknowledgment that every moment, every meal, and every experience is an act of care from a higher guiding influence.
By Henry van Dyke · First published 1898 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Devotional Poetry · 190 words
First lines
"Do you give thanks for this? -- or that? " No, God be thanked / I am not grateful / In that cold, calculating way, with blessings ranked / As one, two, three, and four -- that would be hateful.
I only know that every day brings good above / My poor deserving; / I only feel that in the road of Life true Love / Is leading me along and never swerving.
Whatever gifts and mercies to my lot may fall, / I would not measure / As worth a certain price in praise, or great or small; / But take and use them all with simple pleasure.
What this Textopian page supports
Gratitude is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry van Dyke, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry van Dyke
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Devotional Poetry, Classical Poetry
- Length: 190 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Gratitude by Henry van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work centers on thanking the divine and reflects a strong religious sentiment in its themes and language.
- Inspirational Poetry — The poem conveys an uplifting message that encourages gratitude and a positive outlook on life.
- Devotional Poetry — The text functions as a meditation on spiritual gratitude, aligning with practices of devotion and reverence.
- Classical Poetry — Its structured verse and timeless expression mirror the conventions common in classical poetic literature.
Tags
inspirational · reflective · spiritual · thankfulness · philosophical · uplifting · classic · contemplative · elegant · poetic · devotional · moral