Q: Do you have a vision of an alternative societal or world order (in socio-political and political terms)? — A.C., Sweden

A: +Yes, A.C.

By counteracting fear, gratefulness reduces and eventually eliminates aggression.

By promoting frugality, gratefulness counteracts the prevailing consumerism and its economic underpinnings.

And by promoting appreciation of the earth as gratuitous gift, gratefulness counteracts exploitation of Earth’s resources and promotes environmental rightness.

–Your Brother David


Br. David Steindl-Rast
Q&A
Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB

Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB

About the author

Brother David Steindl-Rast — author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, and more. He has been one of the most important figures in the modern interfaith dialogue movement, and has taught with thought-leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield, and Roshi Joan Halifax. His wisdom has been featured in recent interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Krista Tippett, and Tami Simon and his TED talk has been viewed almost 10,000,000 times. Learn more about Br. David here.