Vice of ingratitude

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Often appears with: prudence and practical wisdom · jealousy · interpretation of benefits · gratitude and ingratitude · envy, jealousy, and resentment · comparison

Usually: reflection (1) · exhortation (1)

Quotable

“How much better is it to turn to the contemplation of so many great blessings, and to be thankful that the gods have been pleased to give us a place second only to themselves in this most beautiful abode, and that they have appointed us to be the lords of the earth!” Lucius Annaeus Seneca, L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits · precept

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. (17/21)

Seneca argues that jealousy and comparisons breed ingratitude, and he urges readers to interpret benefits kindly by their “right side” rather than focusing on faults and missed opportunities.

none so paltry that it cannot be made more of by friendly interpretation. We shall never want a subject for complaint if we look at benefits on their wrong side. XXIX. See how unjustly the gifts of heaven are valued even by some who profess themselves philosophers, who complain that we are not as big as elephants, as swift as stags, as light as birds, as strong as bulls; that the skins of seals are stronger, of hind…