• 2025-08-18

Culture of Gratitude: The Foundation of a Family, Organization, and Society

Nhan Huc Quan (*)

 

In a fast-paced world where technology changes every hour and people are constantly trapped in the cycle of life, the culture of gratitude seems to be increasingly overlooked, or even forgotten.

Yet, it is a core value that nurtures positive relationships, builds compassion, and forms a solid foundation for the sustainable development of individuals, families, organizations, and society as a whole.

Gratitude is a positive psychological state that reflects appreciation, acknowledgment, and thankfulness for the good things one has received. It can be a gift, an act of kindness, an opportunity in life, or simply the presence of a loved one. When it becomes a value system nurtured and maintained within a family, organization, or society, the culture of gratitude is not just an individual reaction but a shared norm—a foundation for people to proactively express their thankfulness and spread goodwill.

According to positive psychologists like Martin Seligman and Robert Emmons, gratitude is not only a positive emotion but also an essential foundation for achieving lasting happiness and deep satisfaction in life.

Numerous studies show that practicing gratitude—through journaling, expressing sincere thanks, or simply appreciating good things—can trigger the brain to produce hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These are vital “internal vitamins” that help improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and strengthen social connections.

From a sociological perspective, gratitude is seen as the invisible glue that strengthens the bonds between individuals in a community. Grateful people tend to build more harmonious, lasting, and positive relationships. This, in turn, creates a chain of positive social interactions, nurturing trust and spreading good energy throughout society.

From a philosophical standpoint, the ancient Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero once emphasized, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

According to him, gratitude is the starting point of humility, justice, charity, tolerance, and responsibility. A grateful person cannot be indifferent or cruel, because the awareness of a favor or blessing leads people to behave in a proper, ethical, and sustainable way.

In the corporate world, a culture of gratitude is seen as a foundation for humane and strategic management. An organization with a culture of gratitude is one where employees feel acknowledged, customers are valued, and partners are trusted.

This is an intangible asset that creates attachment and loyalty, and it serves as a lever for sustainable growth. This culture also helps enhance social capital—through mutual respect and a commitment to shared development—and inspires the community with positive energy. This becomes a crucial competitive advantage in a world where consumers and employees increasingly value social responsibility.

Within the family, a culture of gratitude is demonstrated when parents teach their children to appreciate meals, respect their grandparents, and be thankful for the small things in life. Children who grow up in such an environment will develop a strong moral foundation, learning to live kindly and empathetically towards others. The bond between family members also becomes closer by nurturing mutual appreciation and love.

In the workplace, gratitude is not only expressed through recognizing employee contributions but also by showing appreciation to customers who have trusted them, partners who have stood by them, and even the difficulties that have helped the organization mature. When leaders express gratitude sincerely, they inspire the team, awaken intrinsic motivation, and foster loyalty and creativity throughout the system.

From societal aspect, a culture of gratitude helps form a humane and profound community. It is a place where people always remember the contributions of previous generations, appreciate the silent sacrifices of countless individuals, and continuously spread good values. Sayings like “When you drink water, remember its source” or “When you eat a fruit, remember the person who planted the tree” are not just slogans, but guiding principles for a kind and responsible way of life.

A culture of gratitude cannot be formed overnight. It is the result of a persistent journey of raising awareness, training, and practice. But once it becomes a way of life, gratitude will open up a world full of compassion, deep connection, and positive energy.

Start with the simplest things: a sincere thank you, a kind act, a grateful expression. Little by little, you will feel the transformation within yourself and your surroundings — becoming deeper, happier, and full of love.

As a philosopher once said, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and courage emerges.” Let’s light a fire of kindness in our hearts, to live gratefully and spread that inspiration to more people.

 

(*)General Director of New Toyo (Vietnam) Aluminium Paper Packaging Co., Ltd.

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