Success and power often inflate our ego. When we become the best in an area of life, we feel a sense of self-importance that can quickly grow unhealthy. If you become the wealthiest person in the world, you may think that you are better than others. Even worse, you may feel like you are not subject to the same rules as the rest of society. Society, you think, should look up to you and revere you because of your preeminence. You think to yourself, “I worked hard. I made myself what I am. I am completely self-reliant. I am great.”

Thankfulness is one of the best cures for this malignant disposition. When we are thankful, we acknowledge our dependence on others. This helps us recognize that we are not self-made. First, we must be thankful to God. God gives us the ability to become great. He gives us the opportunities to excel that others did not have. He is the one who exalts us and humbles us. Without God, we are not even able to exist. We are completely dependent upon him.

Secondly, we must be thankful to those under us in life’s hierarchies. Without the current system in which we live, we would not have been able to attain our success. I could not have good health if it were not for the system that allows me to have an abundance of healthy foods always at my disposal. I could not learn near as efficiently if it were not for the technologies and institutions at my disposal, such as computers, books, libraries, and schools.

Third, we should show gratitude to others who were or are above us in life’s hierarchies. We stand on the backs of giants. When we were babies, we were completely dependent upon our parents or guardians. I would not be pursuing my PhD if it were not for Dr. Justin Rogers at FHU, who gave me many opportunities and wrote a letter of recommendation. Third, we must be thankful to those under us in life’s hierarchies. Without good managers, a good CEO cannot run a company. Without good employees, a good manager cannot be successful. Without the service industry, in general, we would not be near as efficient or successful. We would be swimming in trash if it were not for the garbage service our cities provide.

Every day we should think about how dependent we are on other things and people. We cannot exist in isolation from God, our society, our superiors, or even our subordinates. This should humble us so that we realize that we are a part of the whole and have no reason to be prideful.