Return of thanks

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Often appears with: public gratitude · ingratitude · hypocrisy and the appearance of virtue · humility versus disdain · honor, shame, and reputation · gratitude and ingratitude

Usually: reflection (1) · exhortation (1)

Quotable

“Some return thanks to one stealthily, in a corner, in a whisper.” Lucius Annaeus Seneca, L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits · observation

L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits primary

Lucius Annaeus Seneca · c. 59-65 CE (approx.)
BOOK I. The prevalence of ingratitude--How a benefit ought to be bestowed--The three Graces--Benefits are the chief bond of human society--What we owe in return for a benefit received--A benefit consists not of a thing but of the wish to do good--Socrates and > BOOK II. (14/21)

Seneca argues that gratitude should be shown publicly, not in secret, and that thank-you wording should match the importance of the benefit to avoid sounding ungrateful or servile.

for it; and let us do so, not only in the hearing of the giver, but everywhere. He who receives a benefit with gratitude, repays the first instalment of it. XXIII. There are some, who only like to receive benefits privately: they dislike having any witnesses and confidants. Such men, we may believe, have no good intentions. As a giver is justified in dwelling upon those qualities of his gift which will please the re…