An author reflects on how gratitude sustained him through a serious accident, arguing that good years before misfortune still matter. He questions why we ask why bad things happen but not why good things do, and insists gratitude remains essential even when life turns difficult.
Everything I wrote in my happiness book has been realized. I wrote, among many other things, life is a tragedy as well as a glory, that gratitude is everything. Gratitude has been a large measure of what has sustained me. I am so grateful for all this long life prior to my accident. And why would that leave? Because I had this terrible fall? Why would the gratitude be shattered? Do all those years not count? Everybody has to ask that question. What about all the good years I've had? People who have terrible things happen go, why me? But they don't go, why me, when great things happen. Why me have good health, have a good marriage, and good friends? So I'll tell you, if nothing else, people should read my happiness book. Happiness is a serious problem.
Life, Legacy, and a Dangerous Mission in the Soviet Union | Sunday Fireside Chat
