Boat Quote by Ben Jonson
“Nothing is a courtesy unless it be meant us, and that friendly and lovingly. We owe no thanks to rivers that they carry our boats, or winds that they be favoring and fill our sails, or meats that they be nourishing; for these are what they are necessarily. Horses carry us, trees shade us; but they know it not.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Alchemist, 1610
Gratitude should be genuine, not owed to nature’s services, which act without awareness.
In simple terms: Be truly grateful, not out of obligation.
Key Takeaway
Practice sincere appreciation.
Themes
gratitude
nature
humility
service
Mood
thoughtful
humble
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily life
- environmental stewardship
Key Concepts
ethics
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What everyday things do you take for granted?
- How can you express genuine thanks?
A Different Perspective
Nature’s indifference can make gratitude feel forced.
