Grateful for Us

I am grateful for us, humanity at large. There are a million ways I could expand upon this idea, but I think Steve Jobs already has articulated the words—in that simple yet insightful voice iconic to him—in this email to himself in 2010.

"I grow little of the food I eat, and of the little I do grow I did not breed or perfect the seeds.

I do not make any of my own clothing.

I speak a language I did not invent or refine.

I did not discover the mathematics I use.

I am protected by freedoms and laws I did not conceive of or legislate, and do not enforce or adjudicate.

I am moved by music I did not create myself.

When I needed medical attention, I was helpless to help myself survive.

I did not invent the transistor, the microprocessor, object oriented programming, or most of the technology I work with.

I love and admire my species, living and dead, and am totally dependent on them for my life and well being."

Source: Email sent on September 2, 2010.

I’m grateful that someone like Jobs said this. No matter what height one may climb and no matter what prestige, power, and glory one gains from that pursuit, well-being depends, and beautifully at that, on the work and kindness of others. Always.

I am grateful for us.